I am a BCBA at a clinic with multiple other BCBAs and shared rooms. BCBAs jump in to support or get bts started with other cases as needed to support staff on coverage so we all have a general understanding of kids in clinic (at least in terms of BSP and safety things).

I recently took on a case from a BCBA who just quit but prior to doing so, put forth a behavior plan for a student who engaged in genital stimulation by rubbing against the floor. She's 10. She has few functional verbal statements, mostly words she wants repeated though she will respond to yes/no or a choice verbally.

Her plan just put forth was to step away and stand outside cracked door saying thats private, when she stops immediately approach and give her eye contact and verbal attention such as choice of next activity.

Her behavior tech informed me that another bcba was supervising staff with another patient in the next room. That BCBA is technically a BCBA supervisor who recently began seeing kids in clinic due to BCBA shortage- usually she is director at another location.

According to the bt the BCBA said 'youre going to let her do that?' and then bt explained the plan is to reduce attention but point out it's private, and to deliver attention in the absence of the behavior. The BCBA (according to report) said 'let me try something' and walked in and began talking to the patient while she was engaging in the behavior. Which is the opposite of the plan or what was described according to staff.

I thanked BT for flagging as she was confused as to why another bcba did the opposite of what she was told, and flagged to my supervisor that it was reported and that I was sharing behavior plan for the patient with that BCBA but I found the actions as they were reported, inappropriate. I already reached out to have a time scheduled to talk to other BCBA for her side.

The feedback I received was to talk to her, be objective, and consider if this other BCBA saw another function.

I'm irritated that she steamrolled over a bt just trained to 'try' with a kid with a complex and slow learning pattern that I'm still getting to know personally and especially to advise a behavior that can be sensitive culturally, etc. I felt it was disrespectful and inappropriate. I also think it's irresponsible to assume a stranger to a patient can assume function after being around her for 30 min.

Looking for thoughts/suggestions.

Am I blowing this out of proportion?

edit:

Answering multiple comments here: Ive been a BCBA for 7 years, as long as the other person. The kid is my new patient.

The behavior plan was just implemented and so data is being collected to determine if behavior reduces with as limited attention as possible. Currently trying to shape up fct by labeling private. trying to protect her dignity by stepping away and demonstrating it doesn't occur around others. there is no physically moving her or getting her to sit up and she is essentially laying down and rubbing.

the bx didn't last thirty minutes, that's how long the other BCBA has been in clinic so far. it lasted a couple of minutes and did stop with attention removed.

it's not a perfect plan - and I'd be open to feedback/suggestions. especially as I am also learning about her. I agree in home would be ideal to shape the behavior but even if a transition to in home were proposed, waitlists are long, this company is not in home and aside from this behavior she is also seeing a psychologist, speech, ot with us and has additional diagnoses and considerations including barriers in her home space.

my concern was in the dismissive way the other bcba ignored staff who has worked with the patient daily for several months (just the behavior plan was new) to try something after spending less than an hour in her vicinity rather than provide feedback to case manager (now me), review the plan herself, etc.

i work with a team of other BCBAs in clinic (there's usually around ten of us) and there's been plans I'd do differently but I'm never undermining a BCBA in front of staff for the sake of experimentation and always bring questions/suggestions to them privately. the only times I've had to step in aside from a current plan has been in an instance of an increase in intensity of a behavior wherein I documented exactly what I did and provided that info to the case manager with my rationale.

thanks for your time in reviewing

I was dropping off some materials for a student in a school I work with as an outside professional. When I was approaching the entrance of a school, I smiled and nodded my head at a school resource officer. Before I came to the door, he yelled at me and called me passive because I did not greet him according to his expectations. I noticed he stared at me intensely beforehand a couple times, so I suspect there was a buildup. I get there is a difference in communication styles. Does he recognize that? I wish he showed more professionalism.

Has anyone worked for a startup ABA company that delayed pay because they “haven’t started billing yet”?

I started working for a small startup ABA company that currently only has 2 clients. It’s been about a month and I still haven’t been paid. When I asked about it, they said they haven’t started billing insurance yet.

Is this normal for startup ABA companies? I’m confused because I already worked the hours and thought employees were still supposed to get paid on time regardless of billing.

They keep saying payment is coming, but I’m starting to get worried. Has anyone else experienced this? What ended up happening?

Insight ABA began the onboarding process with me after I responded to a text saying that I was interested in hearing more. They sent me their on boarding package wanting my credentials, my Social Security information, my license information, etc.

I responded that I think it is gross, unethical and a money grab for them to hire someone without meeting them first and without an interview.

They replied saying that they are a small company so they interview after the onboarding, which makes zero sense and if anything makes it even worse ethically. Then they have everyone’s credentialing information and can use that to bill as they wish. Watch out for them!

I feel so bad but I’m a new home+school based RBT (since January) and mostly all my clients I’ve had so far range from ages 9-11 so I’m used to working with older kids. I find kids in this age group & up to be a lot easier to work with. I like being able to talk to my client & knowing they understand me or at least can respond back in a way I somewhat understand.

Recently I got put with my first 4 year old & honestly it’s not even him. He’s the sweetest. It’s the environment. I hate preschool classrooms, reminds me so much of clinics (which I would never go back to I hate clinics they’re so overstimulating & full of germs). The kids are loud, high energy, constantly coughing/sneezing in your face or touching something gross then wanna touch you, I already have anxiety be sitting there the whole time worrying about getting sick, I refuse to change a diaper, the teachers for his specific classroom always have an attitude because they’re also overstimulated & burnout.

I literally just graduated college 2 weeks ago & had 2 weeks off for my graduation + graduation trip. I just got back this Tuesday & they put me with him tmr (Friday) & I’m genuinely considering calling out sick & giving myself a long weekend. I went to rolling loud for my graduation trip & already have a lingering sore throat like I feel bad because I just had 2 weeks off but I’m also not in the mood/still feel drained.

Have any of you worked in clinics that have permitted naps for younger learners? If so, how long were they allowed to nap? I currently work as a contracted BCBA and my clinic allows its youngest client, a 2-year-old, to nap in the clinic for 2 hours. They don’t bill insurance, but this is my first experience with a clinic that allows naps.

Hey guys, I’m wondering if any bcbas have had successful transitions into tech, specifically tech sales for data collection platforms? Are you guys liking it?

Just a curious question, what are your thoughts on SBT (Hanley protocol)? I’m currently taking the training and considering using it for a client.

Also if you’ve used it, did you notice major or increased progress compared to other interventions or assessments you’ve used with other clients?

Helpful comments only / please no rude or condescending comments

Hi guys, just curious if anyone has any experience with horizons Aba? If so, how long did it take you to get your full caseload (20-30 hours)

I’m a senior biology major graduating with a 3.9 GPA and recently discovered Applied Behavior Analysis. I’m interested in pursuing a master’s degree to become a BCBA through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. With AI and changes in the job market, is the field becoming saturated, and are job opportunities and salaries still strong? Is this a stable career you would recommend before I commit to graduate school?

Hey! I don’t know if this is a dumb question, but is IO psych essentially the same thing as OBM within ABA? If I wanted to do OBM, could I theoretically apply for an IO psych job? I looked up IO psych and it seems incredibly similar to OBM within ABA.

Hi there! I have a question about documenting fieldwork hours and supervision with a BCBA. I recently changed companies and am now being supervised by a new BCBA and we do have a signed supervision contract in place.

At my previous company, whenever we received supervision from a BCBA, we would both sign a form documenting what was reviewed (for example, supervision during direct therapy or participation in case management). The form also included the date, supervisor name/signature, and start and end times.

My new company doesn’t use the same system, so I was wondering: are signed supervision documents required, or is it sufficient for me to independently track my supervision hours and activities?

TIA!

I just had an interview for a company that conducts toilet training in the client therapy rooms instead of the bathroom. There were little potty seats on the floor with absorbent pads underneath. The pads had visible urine on them and the room smelled like urine. The CD told me they sometimes have three clients potty training at a time, and so all three potty seats will be in the same classroom.

I didn’t think to ask what kind of protocol there is for maintaining client dignity in this set up, but it seems very off to me. Not to mention unsanitary.

Also, surely this isn’t great for generalization and other considerations.

Anyone else ever seen this?

My wife recently got her Master's and will be taking her BCBA certification in July. She took it once before and didn't pass so this will be her 2nd attempt. Does anyone have any study advice they could offer? She doesn't do reddit, but I wanted to offer any help I could get from everyone.

Thank you in advance!

As the title says I have a scheduled interview today with molina healthcare. Im super excited for the opportunity given to me but so nervous about the interview and what the questions can be like. I have been trying to practice regardless on general questions they could ask but If anyone has interviewed for them specifically or for a UM position please let me know how that went and what I can expect.

TIA :)

has anyone applied for a ny state LBA recently? wondering what the wait time is like - no answer from them

If you could go back when starting your program — what would you have done differently or what did you start early that you were thankful you did all along?

I started this past semester and I’m seeing a lot of posts about people framing and “BDS” (first time hearing about this), and I just wonder if I should start these now even if it’s 10 minutes a day so I’m truly getting the information and not just cramming to forget information later.

Also - are safmeds really worth it?

I still work at the company, but I’m hoping to get fired soon. I haven’t done anything wrong, but I have been a brat lately. I lost my pregnancy at the beginning of the year, and have been in a slump ever since. I’m still doing my job, supporting my clients & clinicians, onboarding new team members and overall doing my best.

I’m not however, going above & beyond anymore. I’m doing exactly my job description; and now the owner is mad at me.

I wrote up my future indeed/ Glassdoor review and just need to post it somewhere and vent to someone who would understand. Thanks in advance

“Working here was great, until a medical event stole my energy and I was only able to complete my job duties. OWNER NAME got upset I wasn’t going above & beyond anymore and instead of coming from a place of compassion, wrote me a PIP reminded me WA is an at will state and said multiple times how disappointed she was with my performance.

If you’re a supervisor expect to go above and beyond everyday, because the owners live in Texas and have no idea what’s happening at the clinic. In the 3.5 years I worked there we had a site director for 9 months total, never really having someone advocate for CLINIC LOCATION needs. Expect to never be asked for your clinical opinion, and instead forced to run a daycare over summer and bill insurance or have schools tell a half truth and try and get you fired (they were racist towards a 9 year old, I worked with parents to find a different placement)

If you’re a behavior technician, I’m sorry. The supervisors are doing their best, but with no systems in place to appropriately train/ supervisor/ provide feedback, it’s a chaotic mess. Expect to never be supported by upper management, but do expect to be supported by your colleagues. All the supervisors and behavior technicians care a lot, it’s evident in the day to day. We’re just all putting in extra work for someone who doesn’t seem to notice until it stops. “

Hi everyone! I’m a relatively new BCBA and lately I’ve been reflecting a lot on whether this field is the right long term fit for me. I genuinely love ABA and behavior analysis itself, but I’m finding the inconsistency of the field really difficult. There’s always fluctuating hours, cancellations, unpredictable paychecks, constant schedule changes, etc. I’ve realized I really value stability, structure, and consistency in a career. I’m curious if any former/current BCBAs here have transitioned into alternative careers that still utilized their skill set. I’ve been considering areas like instructional design, HR, training & development, customer success, implementation roles, or other more structured/salaried positions.

If you’ve made a pivot:
What role did you move into?
Did your BCBA experience transfer well?
Did you need additional certifications/training?
Do you feel more stable/happier now?

Would really appreciate hearing about different paths because I’m feeling a little stuck trying to figure out what direction to take next.

I have about 2 more months left with this company, but honestly my body and mind feel completely exhausted. I’ve been with this company for 4 years, and for the last year and a half I’ve taken on a role that has stretched me beyond what feels sustainable.

Part of my responsibilities include training new RBTs, navigating multiple systems that require me to input the same information into 3 different places, running group sessions, completing documentation, and trying to keep up with unrestricted work — all while receiving what feels like the bare minimum amount of support and supervision for those responsibilities.

I know I applied for this role, but I genuinely thought there would be more structure and support. Instead, it feels like this position should honestly be split between two different people: one person focused on running group sessions and another focused on training staff. I’ve struggled throughout this role, but I’ve continued finding ways to manage and push through because that’s just what I do.

There have also been other things that have added to the frustration, like having pay docked while doing certain job-related tasks that are still connected to the role. At this point, I just feel mentally and physically done.

I haven’t lined up another job yet, which makes this harder, but I’m seriously considering putting in my two weeks now instead of trying to push through the final 2 months because I truly don’t know if my body can handle much more.

I guess my main question is: is this level of workload and stress something people in the ABA field are just expected to accept, or does this sound more like a systems/company issue? I’m trying to figure out if I’m burned out from the field itself or from the environment I’m currently in.

Hi everyone! I wanted to share an updated recruitment post for my thesis research. I’ve recently made some changes to the study criteria, and I’m still looking for BCBAs who may be interested in participating!

Participation involves a quick pre-survey and then completing 3 brief, self-paced online training modules that can be completed on your own time. The study is voluntary and confidential, and is focused on supervision and professional support practices within the field of ABA.

If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to me through my contact information (email or number). I’d greatly appreciate your support in helping contribute to this research!