Welcome to the World of ABA Therapy: Advice for New Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Congratulations on becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)! You're about to embark on a rewarding career journey to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with autism. We’ve compiled the ultimate advice from the Powerback Pediatrics clinical team to help you excel in your new role as an RBT.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the Client Advocate role is helping to support the RBTs and hear their wins with the clients.  We are there to support them and they work to support the clients.”  -Meagan Matthews, Client Advocate

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Build strong relationships

Throughout your time as an RBT, you’ll encounter clinicians at various stages in their career. For example, your supervising clinicians were once in your shoes as a behavior technician. They uniquely understand the requirements of your role, and are there to support your development and growth. As behavioral therapists, we rely heavily on trust and rapport between peers to help our clients thrive– fostering relationships amongst your peers is heavily encouraged! 

Here are some tips on how to best give and receive support for your peers, clients, and their families:

• Supervisors: Collaborate with your BCBA, ask questions, learn about their journey in the field and the path they took to get to their position today.
  
  
• Peers:  Other RBTs are a great resource to learn from.  They are going through similar experiences and may have tools or tricks for being successful in your work.
  
  
• Clients: Be patient, compassionate, and consistent.  Celebrate the wins and progress, no matter how big or small.
  
  
• Parents and caregivers:  Communicate regularly and clearly with them on the principles of ABA that you are applying and educate them on the therapy process.

“Ask questions!  All the time!  The behavior analyst will want to help and support you.  The desire to learn is the best foundation.” – Regan Fitzgerald BCBA, LBA  

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Be patient and persistent

Small adjustments in your thought processes  can create the biggest rewards when it comes to behavioral therapy. It’s also important to note that these adjustments take time, and patience to help your client achieve their goals. Persistence is key! 

Check out our top tips to maintain the bigger picture as an RBT:

• Set realistic goals: work with your BCBA to break down goals into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
• Celebrate small victories: recognize your achievements and the client’s milestones.

• Stay positive: A positive attitude can significantly impact your state of mind, and your client’s mood in a session.
• When in doubt, zoom out: if a particularly difficult  task, session, or challenge has presented itself, try zooming out from a day to day state of mind to think of the bigger picture ahead. Will this obstacle look the same in a week, a month, a year? 

“Going from 4 to 5, or from 9 to 10 is pretty cool.  But going from 0 to 1 is the best thing you can ever do for the kiddo.” – Andrew Prine EdS, BCBA, NCSP

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Prioritize self-care

Real talk: working as an RBT can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. While managing expectations is important for your client’s success, it’s crucial to ground yourself to avoid burnout. It’s best to avoid attempting to pour from an empty glass! 

Here are our favorite hacks to help you realign your self care routines:

• Set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Seek support from your supervisor, colleagues, or operational team if you are feeling stressed
• Engage in activities outside of session such as hobbies, exercise, and mindfulness to help you recharge.

“When you feel like you're doing nothing or accomplishing nothing, that feeling could not be further from the truth. You are impacting so many lives in indescribable ways every day just by showing up. You may feel like you're just with the same kiddo to practice learning the same things day in, week in, even month in and out and things aren't changing. Reflecting on one tough moment, one tough day, or even one tough week is a blip... a dot (or a few) on a graph that paints a much bigger picture of life changing progress and success that our clients cannot make without our RBTs!”

– Erin Sottile, MSW, BCBA, LBA

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Develop strong observational skills

RBTs excel at reading between the lines, staying keenly aware of finer details. 

This skill can present itself in many ways during and after a session with a client, such as:

• Note subtle changes in your client’s behavior or mood.
• Understand the context of your client’s behavior, and consider the environment and circumstances that influence it.
• Document your observations, even if they seem small. Providing detailed notes to share with the BCBA can provide valuable insights into therapy sessions.

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Master the art of data collection

Data is the foundation of everything we do in ABA therapy, which is a data driven science. The first bit of data starts with the session notes taken by the RBT.

• Create thorough notes and record data in a timely fashion to help ensure accuracy.
• Proactively review your data and plan to collaborate with your BCBA to adjust interventions as needed.

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Adhere to ethical guidelines

Ethics are imperative to effective ABA practice. RBTs should always adhere to the BCBA Code of Ethics. 

Our top tips:

• Maintain confidentiality and protect your client’s privacy at all times.
• Be honest and transparent in your communication with clients, families, and colleagues.
• Seek supervision and regularly consult with your BCBA for guidance and support.

“If you find yourself in a situation you are unsure of, make the best and most ethical decision with the information you have for the situation, and proceed with confidence. The BCBA will consult with them post-situation and decide if we will proceed the same way next time, or if we need to write a protocol specific to the situation. I understand it is a little scary making those professional judgment calls in the moment but I want them to know they are supported, and everything can be a learning opportunity.”  — Amy Reese, BCBA

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Embrace continuous learning

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis is dynamic and ever evolving. Staying up-to-date with research, techniques, and best practices will benefit you and your client. 

Here are some ways to keep learning:

• Read ABA literature like the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Attend conferences and workshops to learn from experts in the field and network with peers. Each state has their own annual conference for professionals in the field in addition to the national level conferences like APBA, ABAI, CASP, and WIBA
• Engage in online learning opportunities through organizations like Behavior Live
• Listen to podcasts featuring behavior analysis

“It's okay to be a little uncomfortable.  If you're not uncomfortable, you're not learning.”  — Andrew Prine, EdS, BCBA, NCSP 

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Reflect and grow

Regular self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth. 

Ask yourself questions like:

• What went well today?
• What challenges did I face?
• How can I improve my approach? 

Keeping a journal can help track your progress and identify areas for improvement. 

“The RBT role can be so challenging, yet so rewarding. I get to see first hand not only the growth of the clients, but also the growth of our staff members through their tenure at Powerback. It is amazing to see those lightbulb moments or significant breakthroughs for staff.” – Paige McComas, Regional Vice President of Powerback Pediatrics

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Starting your career as an RBT is an exciting and impactful journey. By embracing the tips we’ve described above, you'll not only excel in your role, but you will also take great strides to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you serve. Welcome to the world of ABA therapy – your dedication and passion are truly valued!

The team at Powerback Pediatrics is here to support you as an RBT, whether this is your first position in the field, or if you are looking for a change. We structure our program on two foundational words—Thoughtfulness and Professionalism.  We firmly believe that if our team is making decisions and implementing therapy with those elements in mind, we will create a successful environment for both staff and clients alike.

Make an impact in your community with a career as an RBT at Powerback Pediatrics!