What Is a BCBA and What Do They Do?

There are many different types of behavioral therapy a child may need. If you have a child with autism, you may be concerned about your child's progress, and want to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate treatment. With a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), you have someone overseeing your child's progress and giving specialized care. Read on to learn more about the benefits of a BCBA.

What Is a BCBA?

A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the demand for certified ABA therapists has increased by approximately 5,800% between 2010 and 2021. BCBAs use the principles of behavioral analysis to help clients learn new skills while reducing the occurrence of maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, self-injurious behaviors, or repetitive and restricted behaviors. BCBAs attend to why people do what they do and understand how to gently influence such actions in a positive manner. When looking for services for children who need autism therapy, seeking the assistance of a BCBA can help work on skills to ensure that the child can function as independently as possible as they grow older.

How Are BCBAs Trained?

BCBAs are required to obtain a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis or a related field, in addition to 1500 to 2000 supervised hours prior to being eligible to sit for the board exam. In the state of Texas BCBAs are also licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Every two years, they must complete 32 hours of continuing education credits, so you can rest assured that BCBAs are thoroughly experienced and continuously expanding their knowledge.

How Can They Help Children With Autism?

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how you interact with others, learn, and communicate. When services incorporate a BCBA, they have valuable support on hand, so that clients can always have individualized attention and care to help achieve their developmental milestones. A BCBA professional understands how to assess the specific strengths and needs of each student living with autism. They will develop an individualized plan to target the skills that are most important to that particular client. They can also work with other professionals that the student will interact with, such as teachers, caregivers, parents, other service providers, and so on.

Spectacular Kids provides experienced and professional autism therapy that can help those who have autism and related disorders. A BCBA will be available to oversee progress and create individualized programs. For more information about what our company offers, contact Spectacular Kids for more information.