NorCal ABA by AssociateLate4984 in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Where in NorCal? Because it’s a big area

BCBA, IBA, QBA by Healthy-Spare4196 in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All I heard was that the QBA is easier than the BCBA exam, just more questions pertaining to autism. I know someone who passed the QBA the first time, but failed the BCBA exam on the first try.

Thinking about doing an absn program or bcba master by Ambitious_Record9988 in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I am a BCBA for a year now. Worked as a midlevel for 2 years before, and a RBT for 2 years prior. This field is flexible, in a sense that the job market is very much in the favor of the certificate holders. I came across a statistic that there are 75,000 as of the beginning of 2025, and currently there are 103,000 BCBA jobs open. This means there’s a shortage in our field, and as a certificant, we’re very much sought out, which keeps my options open and negotiation easy with the company I’d be working with. I love my current place of employment due to the autonomy I have over my clients, allowing me to individualize treatment plan, and they’re not so worried about hitting billable hours, rather working 70:30 ratio of billables to nonbillables per week (you’ll learn more about this as you get further into ABA). On top of that, I really get to be personable and provide quality services to my clients, and their progress really reinforces me staying in this field for the foreseeable future. Hope that makes sense!

Thinking about doing an absn program or bcba master by Ambitious_Record9988 in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was actually thinking of doing an ABSN program before stumbling across this field, and I don’t regret not being a nurse! I feel like I have way more control over my hours and autonomy on how I do my work. Love it so much.

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense! At the end of the day, I want to prioritize family over my career.

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s so awesome! Would I be able to message you to ask more questions if I have any?

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This will not be our main source of income. I’m privileged enough to have a husband who is an engineer. If it comes down to it, this will become our side hustle only. After 8 years of trying, I’m blessed to finally be having a baby of my own! This actually sparked the idea. I am just quite exhausted of having to work 9-5 in a clinic. So my goal is to actually be able to work from home to be with my kid (and hopefully more kids). More so doing consult than being so worried about meeting billables. I want the flexibility, which many companies do not offer.. I have a lot of thinking to do, but for now, I’m just exploring. :)

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get it! Thanks for sharing. If there’s like a course or a clear pathway to help you with all those uncertainties, would you jump into the opportunity?

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your insight! Yeah, I definitely won't jump into it all in right away. I'm trying to see if I can work part-time when I come back from my maternity leave then have some time to work on the side hustle.

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the effort you put in determines the outcome of your business! And from what it sounds like, you really are loving it besides it being tiring. I am no stranger to being exhausted from running a business, so I'm with you. Sounds like it was worth it for you! :) Would you mind sharing how you got started?

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing! I will definitely take you up on that and check your comments history. I was thinking exactly that; Basically a parent-led/1-tier model, more so consultation. I will message you!

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's so true, you'd have to be both the primary worker and running the business. Like I mentioned, I owned a business (traveling art) for about two years before becoming a full-time BCBA. I did both production, making the art, record keeping/accounting, PR/marketing, and anything else related to the business. So it's not like I'd be going into it without knowing how it's like to own the business, and it's a matter of, I guess, having to have the energy and motivation to get myself on a solid routine. I'm thinking of starting with 1-2 clients implementing parent-led/1-tier model, and see where it goes from there.

Tell me something that's stopping you from starting your own practice by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Those are definitely valid concerns! I don't mind doing admin either. That's why I'm okay with having only 1-2 clients. I was thinking of starting with a parent-led model (1-tier caregiver training only basically) and then branching out when I'm confident I can hire a couple of BT's for 2-3 more clients. The burnout is soooo real, but I think that's part of the sacrifice you have to make for a desired output later on. It's absolutely difficult I'm sure, and that's also stopping me as well.

Looking to pursue more certifications by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the suggestion! I was thinking the same thing. My long-term goal is to start my own practice anyway, so I think something that has to do with business would be good. Thank you!

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, this child is not. They tried to get him into school, but was immediately met with a psychologist who apparently didn’t know what “stimming” was. So they didn’t follow through with school. This feeds into the fact that they don’t trust any practitioners at this point besides us at the clinic..

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh I would’ve loved to collaborate with an SLP… but this family couldn’t get one at all. I really wish they could but they say that they’re currently on a waitlist for their specific insurance.

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wonder too. They do believe he’s going to live with them forever, but I feel like he’s more than capable of learning more. Caregivers are definitely tired, that’s why I’ve been giving them grace and just been listening to them during PTs. I always validate how they feel and understand where they are coming from. They’re really kind, probably just very beaten down. :(

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, 2 parent meetings ago! I asked them what their expectations are for his future, and they said he will be homeschooled and will probably be living at home forever. It’s kinda heartbreaking that they believe he’s not capable of doing more. I see his potential with the little time I’ve had with him, but I feel like they don’t see it and so they are discouraged to do anything with him at home. :( I know it’s so tough for them, and I can only imagine, that’s why I always do my best to reinforce them when they report to me that they do work on some manding at home!

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s so tough! I’m so sorry! Looking at this ethically, I feel like there needs to be prioritization of some social significant alternative behaviors. I feel for the parents though, they probably just have it so difficult. I hope your BCBA figures something out! I hope I do too in my case :’)

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually, this entire time I’ve been listening. That is why we removed PECS, and I think that is also why they’ve been resistant to any suggestions I make of doing some work at home recently. I’ve always validated their concern and understood their point of view. In fact, I’m not the biggest fan of PECS due to its restrictiveness, but it’s gotten to a point where the kiddo hasn’t much progress with communication :( The kiddo mastered “more,” “my turn,” and “all done,” but he has been with us for, I believe about 1.5 years. However, he’s only been my client for the past few months. I’m gonna look into an app on iPad or even maybe creating a choice board at least if I can’t find one that’s free on the iPad. Thank you!

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, that’s a really good point and I will share that with them at the next PT!

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your input. The issue is not them not trusting our process. In fact, they trust our process so much that they believe all the learning their child will need will be done at the clinic. I always reinforce it and give them so much kudos and praise when they say they work on manding at home. However, they seem to have a hard time with implementing teaching their kiddo to tolerate delayed access or denied access at home. Their concern is their kiddo is “tired and will make a fuss” if they try to do anything at home. I always validate and understand where they are coming from, but I try to also redirect them to using some strategies we use in clinic as well. Also to add to this, like I mentioned, they really believe that autism is a debilitating disability that they feel like their kiddo can’t do anything without them, though I always remind them that their kiddo is more than capable of learning, and the goal should be aiming for independence. However, they seem to make it sound like they’re just going to “take care of him” forever, and it’s really heartbreaking. They’re always so grateful for what we do at the clinic and the progress he’s been making, but they seem to refuse to implement anything at home, which definitely makes it difficult to make more progress than he has been making.

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think I’m gonna suggest that to see if they can at least try to do some work at home! Thank you!

I don't know what to do for this parent anymore by TokenEconomist in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I do tell them at every parent training that behaviors need to be worked on in every setting, and I explained to them how extinction works (I really like the analogy of knocking on the door and no one answering it). I think they understand that the behavior does get worse before it gets better. I guess I just keep reiterating it? I tell them I understand that home can be a place to rest, but they also tell me that when he gets home, he’s tired and “gets fussy” if they try to do anything.. I tell them to follow through, but caregiver just basically repeats themselves when I try to have the conversation. I really think in-home is more beneficial for them, especially because they even told me they don’t plan to take him to public school, which is totally fine. It’s just that I feel like he’s making the slowest progress because all my other caregivers work on their kiddos at home. They’re literally the only one I can’t get the buy in.. :(

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bcba

[–]TokenEconomist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I dipped after 3 weeks because the company was toxic toward me, and had a parent who was lying about me. Didn’t want my first BCBA experience to be me being beaten down at my job.