What do RBTs do in ABA therapy?

In a recent post, we broke down the Board Certified Behavior Analyst’s (BCBA) role in applied behavior analysis therapy. We wanted to continue demystifying both the acronyms and the practice of ABA therapy. With that in mind, let’s dive into what Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) do in their day-to-day, and how someone becomes one.

In terms of your child’s care, the RBT provides high-quality, one-on-one attention to clients in our clinic and in their homes. They also collect data to monitor the progress and effectiveness of individualized treatment plans, helping BCBAs adapt and refine each client’s individualized program.

Becoming an RBT is a great way to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder without the high barrier to entry of a graduate degree like becoming a BCBA.

As an RBT, it’s your job to implement clients’ individualized programs by working directly with them. This requires significant levels of grounding, patience, empathy, and communication skills.

A typical RBT’s day may include:

1. Reviewing information to prepare for sessions: ABA therapy is most effective when it is tailored and adaptive to the learner. To help ensure continuity, RBTs will review client notes and treatment plans before a session. This also creates an opportunity for the RBT to notice any items they may want to bring up with the BCBA in terms of clarifying or improving an aspect of the program.
2. Setting up materials for sessions: Much of the RBT’s work is finding ways to empower children to engage with the world in ways that make sense to them. Before a session, an RBT will identify and prepare equipment that matches the interests and program of the learner, such as toys and communication devices.
3. Teaching skills and behaviors: RBTs work directly with clients to implement programs, using learning and behavior theory. Structured positive reinforcement helps encourage and reward progress, while potentially harmful or negative behaviors are redirected through means such as prompting and modeling alternatives.
4. Collaborate with other members of your child’s care team: RBTs are “on the ground” with your child day in, day out, so they have a lot of first-hand experience with their behaviors, personality, and process. Those observations and insights make RBTs invaluable collaborators with other professionals involved in your child’s care, such as BCBAs, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.
5. Document sessions and progress: The RBT’s documented insights and observations form the basis for many of the other activities listed here. They also contribute significantly to the BCBA’s evaluation of the program and its results, as the team works to better suit your child’s changing needs.