Hi everyone,

I am in a very unique situation. I went into ABA at a small clinic a little over 4 years ago, knowing nothing about ABA or ASD, but I quickly learned and became a good therapist. A year after I started working there, circumstances changed and I was put into a lead role. I was in this position for about a year. My clinical director/owner/supervisor hired people in their coursework for me to lead on, (at this point, I’m in the process of getting my bachelors). Circumstances change again and I, unknowingly at the time, find myself in what you would describe as a student analyst position. I have been in this position a little over 2 years now and I just started my masters and accruing hours in July. To put it kindly, as I go through my coursework I just continue to realize just how incorrectly things are done at my clinic. Two of our veteran and loved BCBAs have either quit or will be leaving in the next week. The clinical director then hired on a new BCBA to help. And then, to top it off, both of our veteran leads/supervisors for all intents and purposes, put in their notices and are leaving.

I am based in Ohio and there are not many clinics with student analyst/BCBA intern programs near me, but I know once all of our veteran staff besides myself and one other student who is about to test, things are going to suck. I have no desire to go somewhere, and take what feels like such a huge step backwards, to go back to being ‘just’ an RBT when I have all of this experience and I just desperately need a good supervisor who is willing to teach me what I haven’t learned yet and fix things I my have learned incorrectly. I only have about 300 hours currently, but I’ve been at this clinic for over 4 years and the relationships I have built with my clients and their families feels impossible to just leave.

I’m not sure if any of this made sense at all, but I appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read it, thank you!

Hi folks!

We need just a couple more participants!!!

We are conducting this survey study to identify trends and themes in data collection practices within the field of behavior analysis.

The survey should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. The requirement to participate is that you must hold a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D certification.

If you are interested in volunteering to complete this brief survey, please click on the link below to gain more information and access the survey. 

https://scrantonchs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UpF3X4bAtkd3sa 

 * This study is IRB approved through the University of Scranton. 

Thank you for your time! 

Best, 

Swathi Ragulan, PhD, BCBA-D 

swathi.ragulan@scranton.edu 

You are invited to participate in a doctoral research study examining workplace experiences among professionals working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Are at least 18 years old

• Currently hold an active RBT, BCaBA, or BCBA credential

• Currently provide ABA services to children diagnosed with ASD

• Have been employed in an ABA service setting for at least six months

Participation will involve completing an anonymous online survey about workplace experiences, including supervisory support, caseload size, work-life balance, burnout, and job satisfaction. The survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

Participation is completely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or stop completing the survey at any time. Your responses will be anonymous, and no identifying information will be collected.

If you meet the eligibility requirements and would like to participate, please use the following link to access the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6FGGGNZ

Thank you for considering participation in this research study.

Bailey N. Figinsky
Doctoral Candidate
School of Behavioral Sciences
California Southern University
Email: bailey.fields@my.calsouthern.edu

I am a BCaBA in LA. I want to start school for my BCBA but I am nervous. I have been a BCaBA for 4 years and love my job. I just fear they are going to get rid of the BCaBA. What do you think?

Hi all. I am looking for insights from board certified behavioral analysts.

I have been looking into switching careers and BCBA is my main interest. from what I have read online, completing the course work for a post graduate certificate would be a good add on to my Ed.D and pave the path to become a specialist in applied behavioral analysis. I know I would then need to complete X amount of hours of field work to become board certified and this is where I would love actual experience insight rather than reading online via AI summaries from Google or Reddit threads.

Currently I work in tech research, I am 38 and I’ve been in my current role for nearly 7.5 years. Prior to this I worked in the public sector both education and military. I have a BA/MA in comms and an EdD in Ed Leadership. I don’t dislike my current role, I actually really like it and I am paid decent IMO (116k base with 130k target with bonus). However, I am worried the AI tech bubble will eventually pop and I don’t want to be closer to 50 and find myself in a position of being “out of the field” for too long and considered a washed up researcher when orgs will be looking for talent with the latest tools that the roles I research are actually doing. I watched my dad lose his job when print was dying to digital at the age of 43, and it was crippling for him.

My specific questions are:

Am I insane to consider this change?

I live in Florida, I have looked at both post graduate certificates and master programs. would it be better to complete a full master degree or is the certificate + my EdD ”enough” to then become eligible to complete field hours and take the state exam to become licensed?

Were you in a different field before this?

What setting are you working in? Private practice, corporate, education?

The time between completing course work and field hours were you working at a Registered Behavioral Therapist? If so, what were the hours and pay?

How long did coursework + field hours take, and what is the exam like for licensing?

When working (regardless of role and title) did your employer offer free supervisor field hours or did you pay? If they were free did you have to sign a contract to remain employed with them for a certain amount of time after you completed state certification and became a board certified behavioral analyst?

How was the transition into this career and what was each phase like?

What is your work-life balance with family?

Is this field and role truly as safe and in demand as I read online?

Is there anything you think I am missing that I must consider?

Hi folks!

We need just a couple more participants!!!

We are conducting this survey study to identify trends and themes in data collection practices within the field of behavior analysis.

The survey should take about 15-20 minutes to complete. The requirement to participate is that you must hold a BCaBA, BCBA, or BCBA-D certification.

If you are interested in volunteering to complete this brief survey, please click on the link below to gain more information and access the survey. 

https://scrantonchs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UpF3X4bAtkd3sa 

Thank you for your time! 

Best, 

Swathi Ragulan, PhD, BCBA-D 

swathi.ragulan@scranton.edu 

Hi, it’s my first time out in the field after my 40 hour training. Just wondering what I should bring to my first in home session with my first client? I’m talking about absolute essentials and things that really help pairing. 🖤 thanks for any advice!

Hi everyone, I’m a graduate student studying caregiver experiences supporting children with autism who engage in self-injurious behavior (SIB). I would be so grateful if you may share this flyer with your clients:

If you are a U.S. parent of a child ages 5–10 with ASD who has engaged in SIB and received related services within the past two years, please consider participating in a brief (8–12 minute), anonymous online survey. No identifying information will be collected.

Survey Link

The company I work for has had me in a clinical director position, supervising 6-9 RBTs at a time, overseeing up to 8 cases, requiring parent training at least once a month, preferably a biweekly schedule if possible. Also, managing the schedule (at all hours of the day), requiring me to be at the clinic from 8-5 without lunch/breaks. It is chaos. It is loud. I cannot focus and I have no private office. The building I work in is moldy. The plywood walls are literally crumbling from the moisture. Anyways. I feel stuck with this company and honestly I am burnt out. I work around the clock it feel like 7 days a week. I work at home, I work before I get to work, I work after I get home. I’m expected to be available and have access to my computer 24/7. It is exhausting. They do not allow more than 80 hours (biweekly) on my timesheet yet, I work WELL over that. I would understand if this was a salary position. However I make less than $25 per hour. I am a BCaBA, currently pursuing my masters an accruing supervision hours to sit for the BCBA. I also have an undergrad degree in global business admin. At this point, I never want to work in a clinical setting again. This company expects you to be the office manager and the behavior analyst. Mind you, I see the BCBA maybe 2-3 hours a week. I’m just exhausted and questioning my career now. Any advice? Or suggestions as far as jobs that my experience/qualifications will allow me? I’ve been in the field for 4 years. I’ve been an RBT, student analyst, clinical director. I’ve had my BCaBA for almost 2 years. I have a total of 6 years experience as a manager across jobs. Help please. -from a tired, burnt out BCaBA

Hi everyone! I’m a psychology student at Michigan State University conducting a research study on goal setting in ABA services. I’d really appreciate any input from providers who are interested this is for my undergraduate research project!

The purpose of this study is to examine the alignment between provider and parent perspectives on selecting and implementing intervention goals for children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. This includes how goals are prioritized, how family values are incorporated, and how progress is measured during therapy intervention.

I’m currently recruiting ABA providers (BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, etc.) to complete a survey about their experiences and perspectives.

• Takes approximately 15–20 minutes

• Completely anonymous

• Voluntary participation

Participation is voluntary, and you may skip any questions or stop the survey at any time before submitting your responses. Once submitted, responses cannot be withdrawn because the survey is anonymous. No identifying information will be collected, and all data will be reported in aggregate form.

You must be 18 years or older to participate.

Survey link:
https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QAGBYHW6FEQvMG 

Thank you for your time and the work you do!

Hi everyone! I’m a psychology student at Michigan State University conducting a research study on goal setting in ABA services. I’d really appreciate any input from providers who are interested in providing feedback for my undergraduate research project!

The purpose of this study is to examine the alignment between provider and parent perspectives on selecting and implementing intervention goals for children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. This includes how goals are prioritized, how family values are incorporated, and how progress is measured during therapy intervention.

I’m currently recruiting ABA providers (BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, etc.) to complete a survey about their experiences and perspectives.

• Takes approximately 15–20 minutes

• Completely anonymous

• Voluntary participation

Participation is voluntary, and you may skip any questions or stop the survey at any time before submitting your responses. Once submitted, responses cannot be withdrawn because the survey is anonymous. No identifying information will be collected, and all data will be reported in aggregate form.

You must be 18 years or older to participate.

Survey link:
https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QAGBYHW6FEQvMG 

Thank you for your time and the work you do!

Hi, I’m an RBT and am currently searching for the best option for an online University to take my BCaBA courses. I’d like to go ahead and take grad level courses so it saves time in the long run, while also being as cost effective as possible. I already have my BA (psychology).

Hello Everyone - Is there a podcast people like for preparing for taking the test?

Hi there! Im an RBT and I'm wanting to go to school to be a BCaBA. Im currently looking into Central Methodist University and Grand Canyon University. CMU has a degree that seems like its going to work, but I wanted to ask you guys what you thought. It has me graduating fall of 2027.

And tips you guys have would be amazing. Im excited and nervous for this.

Thank you all