Ruth Gluck, BCBA on LinkedIn: Is ABA asking neurodiverse kids to “conform” to neurotypical… (2024)

BCBAs do their jobs well when the RBTs are well-trained and they can stay focused on the clinical aspects of the case. Yes, the ongoing training is done by the BCBA, but the initial training is the foundation that’s built on. It’s SO important to give the BCBAs a well-trained RBT. This is why we have them come in for in-person training. That way they can focus on their expertise and not have to deal with anything else. That’s how the children win. Agree?

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An RBT should never be told that (s)he’s doing something wrong. Instead, show them the “right” or best way to do it. When they hear from the BCBA or other superiors that they’re “wrong”, they’ll get defensive and likely shut down. And that will lower the future quality of their work all around, guaranteed. It’s so important to keep that respect level high and allow them to maintain dignity even as they’re being shown the right way to do it. I hold this as sacred when dealing with anyone in my office! But it’s especially poignant when you’re dealing with the RBT-BCBA relationship which is so critical to all that we do.

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When people say ABA is abusive, they’re talking about something more like dog training. Tell the child “say bah” and you get a jelly bean. You don’t say “bah” - and no jelly bean. Dear anti-ABA advocates - I also say that’s absolutely not the way to do this.And it’s simply not the reality of ABA in 2024. It used to trend in that direction, but not anymore. We don’t treat them in a lab and it’s far more loving, compassionate, and caring than ever before. And PS - we see beautiful results. These are the facts.

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A huge benefit to kids is when their ABA providers are collaborating with other teams like school providers - OTs, social workers, teachers etc. We always try to get everyone into the same (virtual) room and work hand in hand to improve the lives of our children. When the various treatment types work collaboratively, the success of the treatment goes up dramatically. Let’s work together to bring success to our kids!

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Here’s what to do when you’ve had a bad experience with ABA. You can try another another agency who will incorporate other ABA practices and see if that yields results. But usually - You have a people problem, not a modality problem. Switch the treatment team, not the modality, and see if that clears things up and you start to see results. A new BCBA can bring in a whole new perspective. That’s what my experience shows. But I’d love to hear yours!Please share!

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The worst thing in an RBT’s world is when there’s a “complex” relationship with their BCBA. Or when the RBT has an idea and the BCBA isn’t engaged enough to hear it.Because the success of the case depends largely on what the RBT is receiving from the BCBA and if that relationship isn’t sound -You MUST take action as an agency to do whatever it takes to resolve that. The client’s progress relies on good RBT-BCBA collaboration. There’s no way around it.

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Burnout is a huge issue for BCBAs and everyone in the mental health field, really. Social workers, psychologists, and BCBAs are helping others in such a deep way that the burden starts to get very heavy. I have much to say about what it takes to help them refresh themselves years down the road. But here’s what we do at @circle care services to mostly avoid burnout - Everything that “bogs down” BCBAs - we try to take off their plates.- We work with families and resolve staffing issues and technical issues- We train BTs in CentralReach data collection and billing- We work with insurance companies and assist BCBAs with reports And what does the BCBA do? Stay focused on what they do best. So a bit of advice to other agencies - allow COMPLETE focus for your BCBAs and they’ll be happier, more productive, and you’ll be able to relax the constant hiring. Keep your BCBAs doing the work they love. I’d love BCBA’s input here! Please share your feelings and thoughts about this.

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Circle Care Services staff recently published articles in Healthnews and My Baba!👉 Rosie Neustadt, BCBA, our clinical director, published a very interesting article in Healthnews about sleeping with T-Rex arms. 👉 Brianna Hillison, BCBA published an incredibly helpful article about families traveling - with a child with ASD. Links to both in comments and I’d love your thoughts if you have a minute to read them!

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Circle Care Services hosted a virtual event this week for anyone in the ABA field who wants to become a BCBA!Many people come into this field and love it.But they’re overwhelmed at the prospect of growth. And they don’t know where to start.We’re 100% dedicated to helping people advance their careers in ABA!It can be overwhelming but when there’s direction from people who’ve done it, it’s simply a matter of pursuing the path.We had so many amazing people on!

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