What do BCBAs do in ABA therapy?

If you’ve spent any time on our website or researching ABA therapy, you’ve probably seen the acronym BCBA, referring to a specialist on your child’s care team. But what does that mean? 

In terms of your child’s care, the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) develops, directs, measures results, and adapts the program carried out by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

What are some of the things a BCBA does in a day?

A good BCBA has exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, because the role serves as the hub through which feedback from parents, clients and RBTs is processed and used to tailor the care approach. In service of that mission, a typical BCBA day could include:

• Meeting with parents and clients to talk about their challenges and goals: Communication is a two-way street. Parents and clients can share their hopes, goals and concerns, which inform the program the BCBA creates. Meanwhile, BCBAs can provide guidance on using applied behavior analysis outside of the clinic.

• Observe behavior and collect data: While RBTs are the ones more regularly working with clients and reporting back on the results, BCBAs will also at times observe client behavior in various environments to better understand your child and their unique approach to the world. This provides an opportunity to collect data on your child’s progress in developing skills.

• Analyzing data and reports: That data provides the foundation for a deeper analysis into where your child is improving and where progress is slower. Keen observation and insightful analysis help the BCBA determine which strategies and tactics aren’t working and how they can be improved upon. The goal is always progress, not a simple “report card.”

• Designing new and adjusting existing programs tailored to the child’s care goals: You may have heard us talk about “programs” before. These are the written, formal documents that spell out the behavioral interventions and strategies for the child’s care in order to accomplish specifically delineated goals.

• Give RBTs feedback on implementation: During the course of care and observation, a BCBA may notice that the way they had envisioned a program being carried out doesn’t match with the RBT’s understanding and execution, or the BCBA notices an opportunity for improvement in implementation. Part of the BCBA’s job is to work closely with RBTs to get on the same page to help drive better outcomes.

Get connected to the leading BCBAs in Raleigh, NC

The role of a BCBA in ABA therapy is multifaceted and central to the success of your child’s care program. Through effective communication, meticulous data analysis, and personalized program design, BCBAs ensure that the therapeutic interventions are tailored to meet your child’s unique needs. 

By collaborating closely with RBTs and incorporating feedback from families, BCBAs continually refine and adapt strategies to foster meaningful progress. Their expertise and dedication are essential in guiding your child towards achieving their developmental and behavioral goals.

As one of the leading ABA therapy clinics in Raleigh, North Carolina, we offer free consultations for parents looking for autism help. Book time with one of our experts today!