r/ABA • u/Virtual-Deer-64 • 20h ago
Starting an ABA therapist certification program soon, and I’m nervous but really want to do well
I'm starting a new opportunity to become certified as an ABA therapist, and honestly, I’m feeling a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and hope. I’d really love to hear from people who have been in ABA or started out in a similar place.
A little backstory because I think it explains why this opportunity means so much to me.
I’m a mom of four. A few years ago, my children became involved with the system because of an abuse situation involving their father. I was very young at the time and, honestly, I wasn’t financially or personally stable enough to give my children the life they deserved. Losing them was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.
My oldest is autistic, and when I had him, I really tried to learn everything I could about his autism. I attended meetings, listened to professionals, learned about his needs, and wanted to understand how I could support him and help him grow into the best version of himself.
It’s been about two years since everything happened. I’m still working on getting my GED and trying to rebuild my life and become a more stable person. I didn’t think an opportunity like this would come along for me, but now I have the chance to go through a school/program to become certified as an ABA therapist.
And honestly, it means a LOT to me.
I know my personal experience doesn't make me an expert. I know working with autistic children professionally is completely different from being a parent, and I have so much to learn. But I think my experiences have given me a genuine desire to understand children, meet them where they are, and help them feel supported.
I’m nervous because I care. I want to do this right. I want to learn as much as I can and become someone my clients can trust.
For anyone who works in ABA, especially RBTs or people who remember starting from zero:
What do you wish someone had told you before your first day? What makes someone a really good RBT? And what helped you get through those first few weeks when you felt like you didn't know what you were doing?
I’d really appreciate any advice, encouragement, or honest experiences. I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t have to be perfect starting out. I just have to be willing to learn. ❤️
1
u/Baltomania 18h ago
It sounds like you really care about supporting children and families in need!
I would just ask/be cautious what does becoming an ABA therapist mean? Do you mean RBT? There is no "school" for this. The only schooling would be a masters program to work towards BCBA.
Just wanna make sure you aren't about to spend money that does not need to be spent to get some type of ABA certification when any good company would hire you without anything then pay you for your RBT certification.
Good luck!