ABA Therapist Job Description
With autism on the rise worldwide and many other behavioral problems are prevalent, the need for professionals to handle these issues is on the rise too.
Applied behavioral analysis therapists work with people who have mental and social disabilities. They assess each patient’s individual needs and formulate plans to deal with their issues and if needed, rehabilitate them.
The work of ABA therapists is very sensitive as they have to deal with their patients’ personalities. They must be trained enough to handle stressful situations which may include unruly and uncooperative patients.
ABA therapists do not usually use the standard methods of managing their patients. They often introduce a reward system so that they can reinforce positive behavior. They also use incidental teaching and pivotal response training techniques to help them in ensuring that their therapies are successful.
ABA therapists need to have a solid background in psychology; people who have doctoral degrees are preferred of course. Working as an ABA therapist is not easy, but it can be highly rewarding. It is imperative for ABA therapists to acquire licensure in the state that they are working in.
Related: ABA Therapist Resume
ABA Therapist Duties & Responsibilities
• Assess patients’ background and therapy needs by conferring with them
• Plan and execute ABA therapy programs in accordance with assessed needs
• Implement behavior management techniques in conjunction with the plan
• Reinforce all concepts taught and ensure that patients understand the need for plan execution
• Assist patients with tasks of daily living such as food intake and medication administration
• Assist in developing core ABA programs
• Provide families with support, guidance, and education
• Collect and analyze pertinent data for each patient
• Respond to patients’ physical and psychological needs
• Encourage patients to indulge in social activities
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Ensure that all patient data is filed properly
• Create and implement activities and encourage patients’ participation in the same
• Ensure that any aggressive behavior is handled with absolute tact
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs and propose needed changes
• Assist patients in acquiring academic or life skills
• Write progress reports and report any unusual findings
• Assist in creating instructional materials aimed at patient progress and learning
• Attempt to reduce patients’ socially inappropriate behavior
• Make preparations for assessments and ensure that assessments are carried out in a fair manner
• Manage crises situations by employing diplomacy
• Ensure the safety and comfort of each patient at all times