What is a BCBA?
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) are healthcare professionals with extensive training in studying human behavior. BCBAs have a bachelor’s degree with a master’s-level education in a related field such as psychology or education.
After creating an individualized plan, a BCBA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies in various areas, such as social skills, communication, self-control, planning, management, and more, to help clients flourish. Working closely with a dedicated BCBA will allow the client flexibility and autonomy throughout therapy.
What does a BCBA do?
“…a BCBA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies in various areas, such as social skills, communication, self-control, planning, management, and more, to help clients flourish.”
Clients will actively work to achieve desired results with the help of the BCBA, which will not just suggest and hope but plan and analyze. The process you can expect includes the following:
Interview/assessment – BCBAs will discuss issues and environmental factors (maintaining consequences, barriers, and reinforcers), then set goals and design a plan for progress.
Goals – Each goal will have a teaching plan associated with it. The performance will determine the steps that may be outlined along the way.
Data collection – Collecting data is essential to ensure the effectiveness of analysis later in the process. Data can come in many different forms. It will depend on the goal and the behavior associated with the plan.
On-going analysis – Individualized, objective, and data-based decisions will be made after collecting data. Visual analysis- charting the progress will allow the BCBA and client to understand the rate of progress for each goal from the collected data.
Change – It takes time, but with persistence and guidance from the BCBA. Change for yourself, your child, or your employee can happen.
What does the process look like when working with BCBA?
Working with a BCBA is a 5 step process that includes interview/assessment, goals, data collection, on-going analysis, and change.
Behavior analysis is an individualized science, so a client will have an individualized plan for maximum progress. BCBAs will create a safe environment to teach, support and be with clients every step of the process. Just say that BCBAs don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk too!