Exploring Careers in ABA

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives? Are you interested in a career that combines science, psychology, and helping individuals reach their full potential? If you feel this way, a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) may be something you'd like. This article will explain what ABA is, discuss the many jobs available in this field, and tell you why now might be the best time to consider an ABA-based profession.

What is ABA?

In esse­nce, ABA is a method grounded in scie­nce to comprehend human behavior and the impact of the­ surroundings on it. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is “the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for the improvement in behavior”(Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007, p. 690).  In simple­ words, it involves the application of validated me­thods to enable individuals to acquire new capabilities and reduce be­haviors that might be harmful or interfere with daily activitie­s.

Careers in ABA to Consider

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

BCBA is one of the most demanded positions in the field of ABA. They work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. BCBAs conduct assessments, develop behavior intervention plans, and supervise the implementation of ABA programs by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and other professionals. They work in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and hospitals.

Clinical Director

Clinical Directors are responsible for overseeing the clinical operations of an organization to ensure the delivery of the highest quality services possible to clients. They develop and implement clinical policies and procedures, supervise clinical staff, and provide clinical direction and guidance to ensure adherence to best practices and ethical standards. Additionally, Clinical Directors may work in collaboration with other professionals, such as BCBAs and therapists, in the development of individualized plans and monitoring of client outcomes.

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs)

BCaBAs work under the supervision of BCBAs to implement behavior analysis interventions and strategies. They conduct assessments(under the supervision of a BCBA), develop behavior intervention plans, and provide direct supervision to Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and other team members.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

RBTs work directly with individuals receiving ABA services, implementing behavior intervention plans under the supervision of a BCBA. They provide one-on-one support, collect data on behavior, and assist individuals in acquiring new skills. Individuals providing behavior intervention services while working towards their RBT certification are called Behavior interventionists, Behavior Technicians, or paraprofessionals.

Office Managers

For individuals interested in the operational side of ABA, office managers oversee administrative functions to ensure the smooth operation of the office and support the clinical team. They oversee the scheduling, billing, and documentation processes; maintain client records according to regulations; and handle inquiries from clients and external stakeholders. Additionally, an office manager may assist the HR departments with the hiring, training, and management of other office staff and act as a liaison point of contact in matters of logistics and operations within the organization.

Growth of the ABA Industry in the US

The demand for ABA services has been steadily increasing in the United States, driven by several factors:

Rising Rates of Autism Diagnosis: As the prevalence of ASD increases, so does the need for professionals qualified in the practice of ABA who are able to provide early intervention and ongoing services. Whereas 6.7 in 1,000 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2000, that number had risen to 27.6 in 1,000 children by 2020. According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. gets diagnosed with ASD, up from 1 in 150 children 20 years ago.

Labor Growth: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of behavior analysts, including BCBAs, is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with a projected growth rate of 22% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for ABA services across various industries and settings.

Recognition of Effectiveness: ABA is recognized as the most effective treatment for individuals with ASD by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the Surgeon General. As a result, there is greater demand for ABA services in schools, clinics, and other settings.

Bottom Line

A career in Applied Behavior Analysis offers rewarding opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with diverse needs. Whether you're interested in becoming a BCBA, behavior therapist, or special education teacher, there are various paths to pursue within the field of ABA. With the industry experiencing rapid growth and increasing recognition of its effectiveness, now is an excellent time to consider a career in ABA!

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Facts about CDC’s autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/communication-resources/addm-network-factsheet.ht

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Home Health and Personal Care Aides : Occupational outlook handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm

American Psychological Association. (2017). Applied Behavior Analysis. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/applied-behavior-analysis