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Showing posts from February, 2025

Beyond Autism: Alternative Careers for Registered Behavior Technicians

When most people think of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), they imagine professionals working with children on the autism spectrum. While this is the most common career path, the skills gained through RBT certification can be valuable in many other fields. Whether you’re looking for a career outside of autism therapy or considering a job change, here are several alternative roles where RBT certification can be an asset. 1. Geriatric Care and Dementia Support With an aging population, there is a growing need for professionals who can support seniors with cognitive decline, dementia, or behavioral challenges. RBTs can help develop behavior plans to reduce agitation, improve communication, and enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or private home care settings. 2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Many of the principles used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can be applied to individuals struggling with ...

Do I need to be an RBT OR BCBA to use ABA in my day-to-day life?

Most fields have different levels of expertise, and many allow people without formal degrees to apply basic knowledge in everyday life. For example, bird watchers and amateur astronomers engage with their fields without being ornithologists or doctors of astrophysics. Similarly, you can use principles from applied behavior analysis (ABA) without being fully certified. One key concept is understanding the "functions" of behavior, which can help parents, teachers and caregivers manage children's behavior effectively. Consider a common scenario: A parent takes their 4- or 5-year-old grocery shopping. At checkout, the child notices candy bars conveniently placed near the register and begins demanding one. When refused, they escalate—raising their voice, stomping their feet and throwing a tantrum. A parent familiar with behavioral functions recognizes that giving in reinforces the tantrum, making future episodes more likely. Understanding this principle helps the parent stay f...