What I Wish I Knew .. BEFORE becoming a BCBA. | Bad BCBAs and CPS?? | Let's Talk About It! 

I agree 100000%. We need far more collaboration across disciplines both mental health, medical, and other therapies.

Yes! In school, they talk so much about research and I realized that these research studies of perfectly designed “clinical” programs are not done under these extreme constraints of being a BCBA today. Yes we should be doing xyz, but literally can’t. I think there needs to be that’s great research but how does that fair in our typical conditions (aka daily tornado) 😂

You should make your own agency.

Ball state! I needed something affordable and online.

@@YourABAhelpI did as well. Great school

Good luck!! You can do it! Watch out for those contracts that companies will have you sign.

Ugh I HATE the BCBAs who have no compassion. So sorry you deal with it too.

It’s wild. Hope you aren’t drowning!

Screaming at how much I love this!! I planned on making a part 2 because like you, I’ve got soooo many thoughts. I’ll add some of these in. Thank you for sharing!

So happy you appreciated this! Yes feel free to address any of what i have mentioned in your videos 😊I've been a bcba here for 10 years and in all different roles...from an interventionist to a parent training coordinator to a clinical supervisor to director, etc. I've seen a lot and now understand a lot of the little nuances and things people don't tell you as a bcba. Few other things I just thought of: -insurance companies provide a quick timeline of when they want to see progress for each child and a percentage of goals should be mastered for some of the insurance companies to renew another year for that client. In reality all clients have their own trajectory in reaching the mastery criteria of the goals (e.g. you cant force vocal imitation to occur and it emerges in different kids at different times). As well, some children need significantly longer time no matter if you are using the most effective interventions. -I don't agree for companies to hire soon-to-be bcbas to be a clincial supervisor in the same liking that they would hire a Bcba in that exact same position. They can be hired to assist a bcba and observe what the bcba does, but to provide actual supervision and programming to a client without assistance or oversight from a trained bcba can be quite ineffective and damaging to the potential growth progress of the client. I know this is pretty blunt, but trust me - I would say the same of myself and I would not have hired myself before I was a bcba. It takes many years of learning -some parents and interventionists expect bcbas to have all the answers. Don't be afraid to tell the parents/interventionists if there is something you are unsure of, but that you will do your due diligence in trying to find out the solution by doing some research. -be empathic to parents. It's important to not come into the home as "serious professionals". Relate to the parents, show understanding and care. I feel like in the past, bcbas wanted to be taken so seriously as a science (which, understandably so) that they would forget to show an ounce of empathy and relatability and just get right down to business. Remember, we need buy -in from the parents just as much as we need buy-in from the clients -bcbas used to think they can address it ALL. I'm here to tell those bcbas ...NO YOU CANNOT. If it's not in your scope, get outta the "playing field" and consult with the right professional whether it be OT, Slp, feeding specialist etc Girl I can go on but ill stop here haha. New subscriber!

Haha always something I swear! The biggest thing you’ll need is practice as a supervisor. You can read up on BST behavioral skills training. It’s the “gold standard” for supervision. My best tip is to respect your RBTs and remember everyday that without them and their buy-in from you, you are so limited. They are the back bone of the field!

@@YourABAhelp thank you for your sound advice and I really enjoy watching your content. I will look back into BST

Autism Speaks support “cures” for autism. They have funded and promoted the idea that autistic children are sick and have symptoms. They are also a big puzzle piece promoter, which many autistics do not align with.

It depends on what job offerings are in your area. If you want to get a raise faster, could be a good path. I’ve heard BCaBAs get a lot of responsibilities and demand with less pay. Like you still have a full caseload and work the same job, but get paid far less. If you have a busy life and BCaBA is the best you can do right now, nothing wrong with that!

I am a BCaBA and this is so true! Go straight for your BCBA if you can in this season of your life. I have a full caseload and BCBA responsibilities, but half the salary of a BCBA. @@YourABAhelp

I’m right in the middle of applying as well. I have my sociology degree and am applying for bcba right now. How did this turn out for you?

You’d need to also find someone to provide you with supervision hours. You’d need a BCBA to supervise you. Typically it is hard to come by in schools, but worth ask for. Some people pay out of pocket for a supervisor others work at an ABA company.

I did Ball State, I know others who've done FIT, Capella, & ASU. I think it really comes down to how much you invest in your education and the material over the program. They all have different styles, so research what you think would work best for you, or do what you can afford. Both are valid approaches.

ABA has definitely carved its own really interesting path. The new uncharted territory of the therapy has certainly created issues. All fields borrow from each other, so I wouldn’t say it does nothing but steal.

Huh? I’m confused by what you are saying. Can you elaborate?

Citation needed****