The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is essential in ABA therapy, and it is vital to be familiar with their names, competencies, and tasks to better understand the responsibilities and roles of the professionals involved in a therapy plan. At ABA Centers of Virginia, we recognize that this process can be confusing due to many terms, titles, and definitions. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide, highlighting the five crucial aspects of an RBT in ABA therapy.
You have likely heard about RBT and BCBA numerous times when discussing ABA therapy. These two professionals play a crucial role in supporting individuals and families within the autism community, and they are indispensable for achieving the goals of ABA therapy. Although they collaborate closely, it’s important to note that a BCBA and an RBT have distinct roles. In this blog post by ABA Centers of Virginia, we will delve into the part of the RBT and its significance in ABA therapy.
What Does a Registered Behavior Technician Do?
An ABA technician is a certified professional trained to work with individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum. The RBT performs their work under the guidance, training, and supervision of a BCBA to carry out the ABA therapy plan.
These are the primary tasks of an RBT:
Active Engagement in Skill Development:
In their role, the behavior technician assumes responsibility for implementing the goals established by the BCBA during therapy sessions. These goals may include the development of social skills, communication abilities, and meaningful social behaviors that contribute to progress in everyday tasks such as self-care, dressing, academic performance, food ordering, and other daily activities that may be challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. RBTs actively provide one-on-one support to clients in school settings, at home, or in clinics.
Data Collection:
RBTs play a critical role in data collection during therapeutic sessions. This data is essential for measuring and tracking each client’s progress on the autism spectrum. The ABA technician meticulously records information from each program and session, describing treatment plans and noting areas that need further attention. This information is invaluable to the BCBA, who can use it effectively to prepare for future ABA therapy sessions.
Comprehensive Collaboration with the BCBA:
Behavior analysis professionals work closely with RBTs. While the BCBA leads the direction of ABA therapy, the RBT conducts the sessions and works to achieve each client’s and their families’ goals. Active communication between both professionals is essential to address any developments during the therapy’s progress. Additionally, they must collaborate in defining treatment methods, such as discrete trial training or positive reinforcement. The ABA technician is responsible for conveying all relevant information to assist the BCBA in assessing the necessary changes and progress.
Guide for Families and Caregivers:
Since the RBT is responsible for providing personalized therapy sessions, this professional spends many hours each week with the client and their family. Consequently, they become the main point of contact for parents and caregivers to obtain progress and information about therapy sessions. The RBT provides firsthand information on strategies and techniques that parents can use to reinforce the learning acquired by the neurodivergent person during the sessions. Additionally, they are available to answer any questions that may arise during the session and to offer feedback on the progress of the treatment plan.
Personalized Work and Connection with the Client:
Registered Behavior Technicians must prioritize a deep understanding of their clients and establish a strong connection with them because their responsibility is to ensure the success of the therapies and encourage the client’s active participation. Each ABA Technician has a unique personality, which allows them to establish a special bond with their client. As they become more familiar with the client, they can identify preferences, determine practical activities, and create a dynamic environment where the child feels comfortable, safe, and motivated to participate.
Requirements to Become an RBT
These are the essential requirements to become a Registered Behavioral Analysis Technician (RBT):
- Legal Requirements: To begin, an RBT must be of legal age (18 years or older) and pass a background check.
- Education: Although the level of education required is not high, it is mandatory for those wishing to work as an RBT to have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (GED).
- Courses Related to ABA Principles: An ABA technician must complete a 40-hour training program. This program includes training on ABA principles, solid knowledge of various treatment methods, the ability to address challenging behaviors, and a strong ethical commitment.
- Competency Assessment: After completing the courses, an ABA technician must undergo a competency assessment in which a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) evaluates the knowledge acquired during the 40-hour training.
- RBT Board Exam: ABA technicians must obtain the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) after passing the competency assessment. This exam consists of 85 questions, which they must complete within 90 minutes.
- RBT Training: Once certified, RBTs can begin hunting for jobs. However, before working with a client independently, an RBT must undergo supervised training with a BCBA that prepares them to conduct sessions smoothly and effectively. After completing this training, they can work one-on-one sessions with clients.
How is RBT involved in ABA Therapy?
RBTs and BCBAs work closely with parents and caregivers of individuals with autism. They aim to create joint therapeutic plans that effectively address clients’ and their families’ unique needs and challenges. These plans should be flexible and adjusted over time, either to track the client’s progress or to implement modifications if the autism therapist doesn’t observe improvement. RBTs play a critical role in helping clients adapt to these changes in treatment plans.
Active communication plays a crucial role in the work of an RBT, as it involves close collaboration with the clients’ families, ensuring that individuals with autism can apply the skills acquired during ABA therapy in their daily lives. Furthermore, this communication helps strengthen relationships and reduces frustrations stemming from communication barriers that may arise between individuals with autism and their families.
Lastly, an ABA technician must possess high adaptability, as they are responsible for conducting personalized therapy sessions. RBTs need to recognize the uniqueness of each individual with autism and tailor their approach to each client’s personality, ensuring that therapies are effective and appropriately customized to meet each client’s needs.
What Makes an Effective Registered Behavior Technician According to ABA Centers of Virginia?
Fundamental to a successful ABA technician is their dedication to helping and serving others. Those who work with children and individuals with communication and interaction difficulties must always possess patience and a deep passion for assisting.
In addition, practical communication skills play a critical role for RBTs, as they are responsible for ensuring smooth communication with clients, their families, BCBAs, and all professionals involved in the client’s care. They must also demonstrate high organizational skills to gather information and prepare materials for each client’s therapy session.
Finally, the adaptability of an RBT plays an essential role in guiding personalized therapies to meet each client’s needs, preferences, and personality. What may work effectively for one person on the autism spectrum may not be equally effective for another. The ability to be flexible and tailor each session to the needs and peculiarities of each client is paramount in this process.
ABA Centers of Virginia, RBTs, and ABA Therapy
At ABA Centers of Virginia, we support the autism community and families touched by neurodiversity. Within our range of services, we provide assistance for diagnosis, in-home ABA therapy for children and adolescents, and early intervention.
To serve families and clients in our ABA therapy services, we have a team of passionate professionals who are well-prepared and continuously equipped with training and education in line with industry trends. If you are an RBT in Arlington or Washington D.C., please explore the job vacancies available at ABA Centers of Virginia.
If you want to know more about our ABA therapy services, diagnostic evaluations, or early intervention, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (855) 957-1892 or visit our website by clicking here.
