{"id":1733,"date":"2022-04-06T09:38:16","date_gmt":"2022-04-06T09:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/appliedabcstg.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=1733"},"modified":"2025-06-23T11:21:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:21:13","slug":"finding-the-right-autism-therapist-what-to-look-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/appliedabc.com\/es\/finding-the-right-autism-therapist-what-to-look-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding The Right Autism Therapist: What To Look For"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This blog article is part of a series dedicated to Autism Awareness Month. To read the previous article in the series, <\/em><\/strong>haga clic aqu\u00ed<\/em><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve determined which type of autism therapy<\/a> is right for your child, the next step is to find a therapist with the correct specialization. Knowing what to look for and how to assess therapists can be challenging, especially for new parents who are going through this process for the first time.<\/p>\n

Understanding your child\u2019s specific needs and preferences is incredibly important for choosing the right therapist, as both you and your child should feel comfortable with their style and personality. While education and previous work experience will also play a role in your decision, there\u2019s more to being a great therapist than a degree.<\/p>\n

Exploring ABA Therapy Providers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

ABA therapists typically work out of independent practices or as part of larger provider networks \u2013 Applied ABC, for example, employs thousands <\/em>of qualified ABA professionals from around the US, making it easier for families to find a good fit<\/a> without having to do the legwork alone.<\/p>\n

Before you head to Google to search for an ABA therapist in your area, it\u2019s important to understand how this type of autism therapy works. Unlike other autism therapies, ABA relies on a close partnership between two or more specialized providers who serve distinct roles \u2013 a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Behavior Technician (BTs).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBAs)<\/a> oversee the creation of your child\u2019s personalized treatment plan and ensure it remains tailored to their developmental needs as they grow and learn new skills. They also closely monitor progress and supervise the hands-on ABA therapist that works directly with your child at home, in school, or at an autism center.
\nTo become a BCBA, professionals must first earn a graduate-level degree in behavioral analysis, education, or psychology. Most BCBAs have a background in the mental health field and are specialized in working with children who have developmental delays. While the BCBA doesn\u2019t attend every ABA therapy session, they play an active role in shaping your child\u2019s treatment.<\/p>\n

The BCBAs ensures your hands-on Behavior Technician follows the guidelines and best practices of ABA therapy, and that treatment plans are being followed and adapted to your child\u2019s changing needs. BCBAs will also work with parents to administer training so that parents can continue to implement ABA strategies outside of therapy sessions.<\/p>\n

Behavior Technician (BT)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sometimes called \u201cABA Aides,\u201d Behavior Technicians (BTs) provide direct, hands-on therapy to children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders. Using the treatment plan created by the BCBA, your BT will work to decrease maladaptive or disruptive behaviors, increase overall level of functioning, and help your child build the communication and social skills they need to excel.<\/p>\n

Throughout ABA therapy sessions, BTs take detailed notes about your child\u2019s behavior, disposition, skill acquisition, and more. This data is the lifeblood of ABA therapy, ensuring your child\u2019s treatment plan is supported by observations and hard data. Once collected and organized, this data is sent to the BCBA for review and treatment plan adjustment.<\/p>\n

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

T\u00e9cnicos de comportamiento registrados (RBT)<\/a> serve the same essential role as their BT counterparts, providing direct care to children with special needs based on personalized treatment plans. The only difference is that RBTs have earned a higher credential, which requires over 40-hours of coursework, a competency assessment performed by a BCBA, and passing an exam. RBTs are most common in states that require this credential to work with special needs children, such as Georgia and Maryland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Why Is It So Hard to Find an ABA Therapist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One reason finding the right ABA therapist can be challenging is that the industry is grappling with a severe shortage of dedicated ABA professionals<\/a>. According to estimates compiled by Spectrum News, there isn\u2019t a single BCBA in about 54% of US counties \u2013 with only around 30,000 Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts in the entire country. From a parent\u2019s perspective, this shortage often translates into long wait times for ABA therapy, especially in areas with a high ratio of children with autism to ABA therapists.<\/p>\n

Working with an ABA therapy agency like Applied ABC can reduce wait times and frustration. We\u2019ll help you find the right ABA therapist<\/a> for your family as quickly as possible, taking your preferences and your child\u2019s needs into account. Applied ABC never puts children on passive wait lists and continues searching for the right ABA therapists until your case is fully staffed.<\/p>\n

That said, we deeply believe that parents play an essential role in the ABA therapy process, so it\u2019s important to understand what to look for on your own.<\/p>\n

Assessing ABA Therapists: Key Traits to Look For<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Along with education, work experience, and other credentials, parents will want to pay close attention to the personality of ABA therapists before making a decision. Helping children with autism decrease disruptive or maladaptive behaviors takes patience, energy, and boundless optimism. These traits are most important in a BT\/RBT, as they will be providing hands-on therapy each and every session.<\/p>\n

Here are a few key traits every parent should look out for:<\/p>\n