Considering a Career in ABA? What’s It All About
If you're considering a career in ABA, delving deeper into the field itself might shed some light on what it's all about. ABA is a systematic study of the intricate interplay between human behavior and the environment. In simpler terms, it's an exploration of why people do what they do in the world around them.
At its core, behavior is shaped by a complex interplay of past experiences, current surroundings and a dash of genetics and organic factors. In the 1940s, B.F. Skinner made a significant mark with his book, "Science and Human Behavior," which catapulted the field of behaviorism and set the stage for the emergence of ABA. Fast forward to 1968, the birth of the Journal of ABA marked a significant milestone in this field.
As time marched on, professionals in the ABA arena began receiving certification, first at the state level and later on a national scale in 1999. This national recognition brought about a structured framework complete with professional practice standards, an ethical code, and disciplinary guidelines, all instrumental in establishing and upholding the integrity of ABA as a profession.
All the rules and regulations within the ABA world have specific a specific purpose:
To safeguard the interests of the individuals we work with.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the broader public.
To protect the practitioners themselves.
To preserve the integrity and credibility of the field.
To define and strengthen the professional identity of ABA practitioners.
To facilitate the practice of ABA effectively and responsibly.
With all these factors in play, a career in ABA thrives within a robust framework of professional standards, all with a collective focus on the greater good.
Photo: Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash