ABA vs. BCBA: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are two acronyms that often come up while investigating the field of behavior analysis. When dealing with people who have developmental problems like autism, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the many responsibilities and certifications that are part of behavior analysis. Parents looking for help, those thinking about working in the sector, and anybody interested in behavior modification science would do well to familiarize themselves with the distinctions between these positions.
The educational prerequisites, duties, and potential employment paths for each position are explored extensively in this manual. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or prospective practitioner, you’ll walk away with a thorough grasp of the differences between ABA and BCBA practitioners.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
As a scientific discipline, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) seeks to explain and influence human actions and behaviors. Focusing on learning and behavior principles, its major objective is to increase socially relevant behaviors, which are defined as those that enhance persons’ quality of life. Although ABA is most often used to treat people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is applicable to many other types of emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues as well.
Supporting clients in overcoming obstacles such communication deficiencies, repeated behaviors, and difficulty in social relationships, ABA practitioners often engage in direct intervention roles, adopting behavior methods. The area is heavily focused on research and statistics, therefore ABA practitioners constantly gather data to track progress and modify treatment strategies.
What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?
Professionals who have completed rigorous coursework in behavior analysis and been certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) are known as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Behavioral science behavior analysts (BCBAs) have a master’s degree or above in behavior analysis or a related discipline, have done supervised fieldwork, and have passed a tough test.
BCBAs work with clients to develop and implement behavior intervention programs. In contrast to BCBAs, who take on a supervisory role in making sure that all treatments are scientifically sound, morally suitable, and customized to each client’s unique requirements, ABA practitioners work directly with clients to execute these programs. Additionally, BCBAs provide supervision to ABA therapists, conduct comprehensive assessments, and guarantee that all behavior plans comply with the most stringent care standards.
What is an ABA therapist?
Children on the autism spectrum often seek the help of an applied behavior analyst (ABA) therapist when they are experiencing difficulties with their conduct. The field of applied behavior analysis focuses on analyzing patterns of behavior in order to develop individualized treatment programs for patients.
The children who get treatment from ABA therapists are encouraged to engage in desired behaviors via the use of positive reinforcement tactics. Due to the long hours required to see benefits in early childhood ABA treatment, it is customary for therapists to work with a single kid at a time.
ABA therapist vs. BCBA therapist
There are several key distinctions between ABA and BCBA therapists, despite the fact that they diagnose and treat behavioral difficulties using similar methodologies and treat similar categories of patients. the following are some of the principal similarities and differences between ABA and BCBA therapists::
Types of patients
Most of the clients served by ABA and BCBA therapists have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. In addition, they assist those who have been diagnosed with developmental delays (DDs), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although ABA and BCBA therapists often work with clients of all ages, children make up the bulk of their patients. Many BCBA therapists handle several patients simultaneously, in contrast to ABA therapists who typically deal with patients one-on-one.
Education
The majority of entry-level work in these fields typically call for a bachelor’s degree, often in psychology or a closely related discipline. Typically, a master’s degree in education or behavioral analysis is required to become a board certified behavior analyst therapist. The minimum educational requirement to become an ABA is an undergraduate degree. Further, a BCBA therapist has to have a score of 65% or above on the Behavior Analyst Certification (BCBA) test administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). In most cases, they just need to pay the board fees and update their status every two years to keep their certification current.
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Work environment and salary
Therapy offices, mental health clinics, public and private schools, and other similar settings are common places for ABA and BCBA therapists to find employment. In most cases, a BCBA therapist, who has greater training and experience in behavior analysis, would oversee and guide an ABA while they work. Typically, BCBA therapists earn a higher income due to their greater level of expertise in the field. On a nationwide level, ABA therapists earn an average of $49,023 per year, while BCBA therapists earn $72,711 annually.