Understanding and Influencing Behavior: A Career in ABA

Human behavior is a vast and intricate tapestry, with every individual bringing a unique pattern of actions and reactions. Have you ever contemplated the motivations behind our actions and the factors influencing our behaviors?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides a structured approach to answering these questions, aiming to understand, elucidate, and guide human behavior. This field relies on dedicated professionals who are not only intrigued by the underlying "whys" but are also focused on the "how" of facilitating positive behavioral changes. At The Growing Place, we’re actively seeking individuals like you, offering comprehensive training and resources to nurture a promising career in ABA.

To embark on a journey as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), there are straightforward steps:

  • Attain a minimum age of 18 and possess a high school diploma.

  • Undergo a thorough background check.

  • Complete 40 hours of structured online coursework, followed by an initial competency evaluation.

  • Submit a detailed RBT application and successfully pass the RBT examination.

Once certified, you'll be poised to make a tangible difference in a fulfilling profession that constantly challenges and rewards.

Delving Deeper: What Exactly is ABA?

For those contemplating a day in the life of an RBT, it's vital to understand the seven foundational characteristics of ABA.

  • Real-world Application: ABA is inherently practical, targeting tangible behavioral improvements that enhance individual well-being and positively impact the broader community.

  • Behavior-centric: ABA places emphasis on defining and observing distinct behaviors.

  • Analytical Approach: The methodology probes the relationship between events or behaviors, seeking to understand the interplay and influence of one over the other.

  • Technological Precision: ABA insists on clear, replicable protocols to ensure consistent and desired outcomes.

  • Research-driven: The strategies employed in ABA are rooted in time-tested behavioral research, ensuring a systematic approach.

  • Effectiveness: Interventions in ABA are gauged by their real-world impact and relevance to the individual.

  • Generality: For ABA to be deemed successful, behavioral changes should be sustainable and adaptable across various settings and scenarios.

In essence, professionals in ABA employ a rigorous, scientific approach to unravel the complexities of behavior. Through their expertise, they facilitate enduring, positive behavioral changes in individuals. If you're driven by a commitment to understanding and shaping human behavior, the ABA field is waiting for you.

Photo: Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Autumn Powell