ABA therapy involves two types of professionals: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Through these two roles, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receive professional support to learn new behaviors and skills that enable them to navigate everyday challenges.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with autism, you should know the characteristics of the professionals who provide autism care. They are responsible for intervening in developing and implementing ABA therapy and playing a pivotal role. In this blog, we will explore the part of the Registered Behavior Technician and its importance in ABA therapy.
What Is a Registered Behavior Technician?
A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a professional specially certified in the care and attention of individuals with autism, including children, adolescents, and adults. Although an RBT does not possess an advanced degree and works under the supervision of a BCBA, they are required to take courses that certify their knowledge of ABA principles, application of various treatment methods (e.g., task analysis and discrete trial training), management of challenging behaviors, and ethics.
RBTs receive training to work primarily with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on a 1-on-1 basis in clinics, homes, and community settings.
The Role of an RBT
After the BCBA identifies the treatment goals and designs the treatment plan, the RBTs are responsible for implementing the guidelines developed by the BCBAs and meeting the objectives set during the ABA therapy sessions.
RBTs are responsible for helping improve and develop the social and communication skills of individuals on the spectrum with whom they work. They provide close support to individuals with autism to perform tasks such as dressing, cleaning, and ordering food, among other daily activities that aid in developing and improving the social behaviors of those on the spectrum.
In addition, RBTs are responsible for collecting data that helps BCBAs effectively plan upcoming ABA therapies. RBTs track and measure patient progress, record data for each program, maintain detailed descriptions of treatment plans, monitor how treatment plans are developing, document achieved goals, track progress, and identify areas that require further attention.
How Can Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Help People with Autism?
Although there is no cure for autism, ABA therapy is a scientific, evidence-based method that has been proven for decades to be effective in helping people diagnosed with ASD improve their social and communication skills to achieve a brighter, more independent life. Healthcare professionals have accepted ABA therapy as the gold standard for treating people with autism.
ABA therapy implements positive reinforcement to promote socially essential behaviors, such as effective communication and daily activities, including but not limited to using the toilet, dressing, brushing teeth, self-care and hygiene, social play skills, reading, writing, gross and fine motor skills, attention, and concentration, among others.
Also, ABA therapy helps people with autism understand the causes of certain behaviors. For example, it addresses difficulties in expressing their feelings, which can lead to frustration when dealing with and communicating emotions. With ABA therapy, individuals with autism can discover alternatives and tools to enhance communication and manage their feelings using new behaviors.
How Does an RBT Relate with ABA Therapy?
RBTs and BCBAs collaborate to develop a personalized therapy plan that meets the needs of each patient and their family. Over time, both professionals consider the collected data and the patient’s progress to make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. At this point, the role of the RBT is crucial, as they are responsible for assisting the person with autism in adapting to these changes.
In addition, RBTs also help improve communication between families and individuals with autism. They provide the necessary tools for families and caregivers to continue fostering the skills learned outside the sessions, reducing communication barriers and frustrations, and strengthening bonds.
Essential Skills of a Registered Behavior Technician
- Communication skills: RBTs must consistently communicate throughout the ABA therapy process. They are responsible for conveying the progress of individuals with ASD to parents, caregivers, BCBAs, and all those involved in the patient’s care. Additionally, they communicate any changes in the treatment plan to facilitate the patient’s and parents’ smooth adaptation. They are also responsible for communicating tools and processes to caregivers of individuals with ASD to facilitate ongoing learning and the development of skills acquired or improved through ABA therapy.
- Organizational Skills: Organization is essential for RBTs to carry out their tasks successfully. An RBT must prepare materials for therapy sessions and observe and gather information on client behavior during ABA sessions in an organized manner.
- Adaptability: Each person with autism is unique, and what may work for one person might not work for another. An RBT must have the ability to be flexible and adapt to the needs, requirements, and difficulties of each patient. They should also be willing to get to know the person they are working with well and form a bond that allows them to understand better their preferences, needs, communication style, and personality. With this understanding, an RBT can gain better insight to adjust their methods to address their client’s needs.
Requirements To Become a Registered Behavioral Technician
All RBTs must complete a training program to become certified. These programs consist of a minimum of 40 hours of classes. After completing the training, the individual can take a certification exam to become a Registered Behavior Technician, and a BCBA must approve their assessment.
Many BCBAs begin their careers as RBTs, which allows them to gain hands-on experience and work closely with individuals with ASD while continuing their education.
RBTs are Welcome to Join the ABA Centers Of Tennessee Family
If you know someone who is an RBT, or if you are interested in pursuing this new career path, at ABA Centers of Tennessee, we are eager to welcome individuals to our team who are dedicated to supporting the autism community and possess the skills and qualifications to work as an RBT. If you aspire to experience professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with autism and their families, this opportunity is for you.
ABA Therapy and ABA Centers Of Tennessee
When searching for an ABA therapy provider for yourself or a loved one, there are several factors to consider. These include ensuring that the professionals are certified, compassionate, and genuinely concerned about meeting the needs of both the patient and the family. Additionally, it’s crucial to find a center specializing in ABA therapy and offering services that utilize positive reinforcement strategies to enhance behaviors without attempting to alter or “cure” the individual with autism.
At ABA Centers of Tennessee, we have a team of BCBAs and RBTs who are compassionate and dedicated to delivering effective therapy tailored to each patient’s and family’s needs. We also prioritize nurturing every individual’s personality, preferences, and talents while enhancing areas of weakness through positive reinforcement. Our approach values the essence of each patient and aims to foster growth without attempting to alter their identity.
At ABA Centers of Tennessee, we prioritize the individual needs of each family, which is why we provide in-home therapy. This approach offers increased comfort and better adaptation for our patients and their families during therapy sessions. In-home ABA therapy improves learning outcomes for individuals with autism, as they are in a familiar and comfortable environment, which helps reduce anxiety levels. Furthermore, parents and caregivers can actively observe the sessions, ask questions, and gain insights into the tools and methods employed by RBTs to facilitate learning and skill acquisition. Families and individuals with autism can integrate these acquired skills into their daily lives.
In-home ABA therapies enable ABA therapists to observe how your child interacts within a secure environment, helping to get more precise outcomes and identifying strengths and areas for improvement to create an individualized plan. Our tailored programs and teaching methods work to decrease unwanted behaviors and prepare your child with the essential skills for a more prosperous and independent life.
To get started with ABA therapy at ABA Centers of Tennessee, contact us at (844) 423-9483 or message us with any questions.
