Introduction
An ABA Therapist is a professional in charge of providing therapy for autistic patients. Their duties are usually patient-specific for every patient. ABA is an acronym for Advanced Behavioral Analysis. This implies that these professionals undergo the study of autism patients before they know how to come in.
Also, they work to help these patients fit better in and cope in society. Autism patients usually have problems flowing with normal people because of having and sustaining social interactions, ABA therapists target solving this problem.
Their jobs can also involve working in several settings. It could be hospitals, recreational centers, patient homes, etc.
Additionally, ABA Therapists also engage in a lot of recording and administrative duties. They ensure that they have a detailed record of everything patient they attend to. Among other skills, interpersonal relationships, communication, empathy, and patience are a must-have for these professionals. They are of great importance because they get to meet patients of different degrees and manifestations of that autism. Also, they must be able to work well under pressure and be familiar with new trends in ABA therapy.
Furthermore, these professionals are usually graduates of Psychology, guidance and counseling, ABA, etc. Most get to practice with a Master’s degree, others with a Bachelor’s degree.
To find out all you need to know about these interesting professionals, keep following.
Responsibilities of an ABA Therapist
ABA Therapists perform a lot of activities to be able to help these sets of patients become better social interactors. All they get to do can depend on the degree of every patient’s case. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Observing patient’s social and indoor behaviors.
- Research to know what categories the behaviors fit into.
- Applying ABA interventions in helping the patient relate and behave better.
- Employing patience and empathy in helping patients with varying degrees of autism.
- Researching to be aware of new trends in ABA therapy.
- Documenting every patient-specific case.
- Developing and implementing patient-specific therapeutic plans.
- Being able to work well under stress and pressure.
- Being willing to help patients beyond the frame walls of a hospital. This can involve going on recreational activities with patients, etc.
- Ensuring keen observance also in identifying and applauding improvements.
Qualifications for practice as an ABA Therapist
Autism is one medical disorder that affects several children and youth in the world today. It is thus expedient that the people who are in charge of providing therapeutic services, qualify for employment in this position. Below are some of the qualifications looked out for.
- Firstly, a Bachelor’s degree in ABA, Psychology, or Counseling.
- Secondly, a Master’s degree in ABA.
- Thirdly, few years of experience in related areas and areas that require working well under pressure.
- Additionally, a certificate of registration from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board is necessary.
Also, certain skills are considered a must-have. Let’s take a look at some.
- Communication skills.
- Interpersonal relations.
- Ability to work well under stress and pressure.
- Empathy.
- Patience.
- Passion to see people succeed / a heart to help others.
- Good documentation skills.
- Good sense of organization.
- A high level of self-control.
- A good level of self-confidence.
- Strong time management skills, among others.
Salary
ABA Therapists earn around $56,525 in one year, on average. The exact salary can be much higher or a bit lesser. It also depends on the qualification of the staff, the level of successful therapies recorded. Additionally, it can also depend on the size and type of firm he or she works under, among others.
Job Opportunities
An ABA Therapist can find significance in various settings. Some of them include:
- Firstly, in hospitals.
- Secondly, in healthcare centers.
- Thirdly, in academia; High Schools, and Colleges/Universities.
- Additionally, in nursing homes.
- Also, they can go into private practice.
They can work in their offices, in open places, in clients’ homes depending on the type of therapy they are working with. Also, they are required to be fully committed to following up with their patients, as without this, the whole aim of therapy can be defeated.
Conclusion
Helping people integrate better into society, become more socially interactive, and increase their level of self-confidence is admirable. The job description of an ABA Therapist involves a lot of selfless services, this is noble. A career in this field is fulfilling, especially for those with the skills and qualifications needed.
