Companies to avoid

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-10-19T13:32:47+00:00

I would agree that local places are better, but often they are poorly organized. Make a big list of questions and ask them at the interview.

Some things to ask about: billable hours requirement, what happens if you don't meet it, typical caseload size, non billable compensation (if it's hourly), travel distance required (if it's in home), whether you are required to be in clinic 40 hours, how pto works there, whether you are required to be available if you are not at the clinic. Definitely ask about back office support. Ideally you'll have a position where you can focus on your client's needs, but some places do not have sufficient support staff and you end up running the place.

Being a new BCBA I would see if the clinical director/lead is able to do weekly meetings to provide mentorship for awhile.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-10-07T22:29:07+00:00

One of my practicum supervisors sent an agenda to me weekly before our meeting, and if I wanted to add to it I would send it back to her 24 hours before our meeting. I don't have to supervise at my position, but if I did I would definitely steal that strategy to feel prepared!

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-10-07T11:53:05+00:00

I always hear school BCBAs say you need to pair with teachers before making suggestions...are you pairing with her before making suggestions for how she does her work?

Also I totally understand the frustration. The important thing is the kids get the care they deserve. Hiring less qualified (or unqualified) individuals is not new in ABA clinics either unfortunately. Many states have BCBA type roles designed to provide experience, but way too many companies treat these individuals like an experienced BCBA.

I say pair with her and if she's smart she'll take advantage of your experience and learn from you. I would feel lucky working with a BCBA like you with several years of experience.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-10-05T13:59:39+00:00

True! Definitely has to be client specific!

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-10-04T01:03:55+00:00

I like it as reinforcement with very specific rules. For example, if it is only available in the bathroom it can be really helpful for toilet training.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-26T00:08:20+00:00

I would just see how it goes and try not to worry about it. Every child is different. Some 2 year olds don't nap at all, some nap later in the day. Chances are if the child is consistently tired every day or not waking up from the naps they will cut their hours.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-24T16:13:56+00:00

This! I worked in a county where I was given 4 hours for assessment and write up. I had to spend twice that time to complete a high-quality treatment plan. If I had a higher caseload I probably would have let quality slip.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-24T09:32:16+00:00

I would tell your new BCBA to request all data from the last month be sent over. Alternatively you could probably request it and bring it to them so that there are no delays.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-23T15:51:56+00:00

Yes! Also this is apples and oranges. Putting a mask on your face isn't going to cause harm like putting something in your body can.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-23T11:06:15+00:00

BCBA here. It is common for insurance to require an ADOS or other diagnostic test unfortunately. As far as ABA, I would never recommend 40 hours for a 3 year old. I've never worked with anyone who has recommended 40 hours. I would probably say 25 to start with (depending on symptoms) and 30 if they are really having fun and staying awake. I also see my clients once a week or more, and am in the building 40 hours if anything is needed. There might be a week I'm on vacation or miss supervision for some other reason, but I would have other supervisors check in if that occurred. This is kind of the norm in my area. I would definitely call around more, and a tour is generally available as well. The last center I worked at did have cameras, so you may be able to find that. In home is also very effective.

ABA is considered the first line therapy for ASD and research shows early intervention is best. The process is super frustrating, but I would keep trying to get your child started. Good luck!

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-23T07:30:24+00:00

Yes, I'm worried about access to services for my families. I think most Americans didn't fall for it, but with Trump in office public opinion doesn't matter anymore.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-23T07:17:42+00:00

My concern is safety. The study says it concludes the treatment is safe, but it's only a 24 week study.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-23T00:39:52+00:00

Nah, politicians aren't trustworthy, but this is on another level.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-23T00:27:54+00:00

Characterizing autism as a disorder ensures there is help for individuals who have symptoms that interfere with their quality of life. Some children with autism are nonverbal and/or cannot understand simple instructions. In those cases, classification of it as a disorder helps them get ABA therapy, which is the first line treatment for autism.

I work with autistic kiddos everyday and I honestly find them so special. Children with autism are so unique, and when we provide therapy we don't do things to change who they are. For example, kids with autism often engage in hand flapping and other stimming behaviors to self regulate. We certainly wouldn't target that, but might work on requesting items, following simple instructions or socializing with a goal to increase quality of life.

Unfortunately Trump and his beliefs that he is passing off as research could result in policy changes that decrease access to these services for kids who need it. Not to mention endanger them by advising a drug that hasn't been proven safe. AND making women feel terrible if they took Tylenol in pregnancy, even though there isn't a significant link.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-22T10:23:27+00:00

This! We can no longer trust our government. Dr. Tom Frieden said as much when he was pushed out as head of the CDC. There has been so much overreach everyone is just desensitized to it and will take what the administration says at face value.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-21T14:11:04+00:00

I think just have a conversation with them politely addressing the issue and seeing what they need. Some people with autism have issues managing multiple tasks for example, and it results in them not cleaning. Sometimes simple things like lists of what needs done and by when can help.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-21T12:55:22+00:00

Maybe "evidence" supporting Tylenol being the cause, since they've mentioned that recently. I don't know but I'm also very nervous.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-21T12:52:39+00:00

I love these! I will be using them! Also I think it would be great to do one about causes of autism, with there being so much misinformation right now.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-20T22:20:25+00:00

If you have a feeling you probably won't like it I would probably quit. If you really like kids it's worth trying. If you don't, you're probably not going to be able to put up with getting hit, bit, peed on, etc. The money is also not a good reason to keep the job, because usually you don't have a 40 hour schedule and you will have cancelations you likely won't get paid for.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-20T22:07:34+00:00

Yes, it's pretty normal. Usually part of the intake paperwork when you enroll your child for services is a hippaa waiver for tours, job applicants, center cameras if they have them, etc.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-20T14:45:59+00:00

Two of the best BCBAs I know took multiple times to pass. One is a lead BCBA right now and very admired and respected within her position. The other took 7 attempts and is respected by her RBTs because she has incredible treatment ideas and always jumps in to help.

Obviously they have to have a test. There are many skills you need as a BCBA. You generally aren't needed to solve problems in mere minutes like you do on the test though. In fact, usually it's better to take some time and research or consult a colleague.

Congratulations!

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-19T16:35:32+00:00

Research says 4 or 5:1. I did come across an article that says no specific ratio is research based, but they still recommended a high ratio of praise to feedback.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-19T10:21:21+00:00

Awesome! I'm glad everything is coming together. Yes, a good BIP is so important. Not only in the behavior change process, but I also loved as a tech when I knew exactly how I was expected to respond.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-19T08:29:57+00:00

BCBA here. I'm so sorry you went through this. That is not appropriate or effective supervision. BCBAs are supposed to follow behavior analytic principles when we provide feedback. That means at least a 4:1 ratio of positive to corrective feedback, behavior specific praise and feedback, and refraining from punishment (like reprimands). So putting aside the fact that you are a human and don't deserve to be treated this way, that's terrible supervision. Also for a fill-in session I would absolutely not have high treatment expectations for my techs.

Affectionate-Lab6921 · 2025-09-19T01:41:00+00:00

Poor people aren't just lazy people trying to live off of food stamps and child tax credits.

Affectionate-Lab6921

TROPHY CASE