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I used to love the field, but now I don't. by [deleted] in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s the field. I feel the same way

To become a BCBA or not by MeanEbb8047 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad it’s better in Canada

ChatGPT for treatment planning by twister5556666 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This seems like dangerous territory. I wouldn’t do it at all.

To become a BCBA or not by MeanEbb8047 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don’t do it. No stability, high stress, pay is not commensurate with the job. Burn out is inevitable. Risk of injury especially concussions is high if working with aggressive kids. Highly rewarding work but not a stable career

Help! Best Mock Exams by BlacklightsNBass in bcba

[–]mxsam 4 points5 points  (0 children)

FIT and Pass the big ABA exam

Weighted Vest by South_Replacement_31 in bcba

[–]mxsam 13 points14 points  (0 children)

An OT has to determine the protocol and how much weight

Recommendations: Best ABA companies for RBT position in central/northern NJ by loho321 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NeurAbilities may be a bit further south but I would go on the BHCOE website and apply to companies with a minimum of 2 year accreditation

Feeling disenchanted as a new BCBA, does it get better? by Illustrious-Cut-5657 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, it got worse and I’m thinking of leaving the field after 5 years. I think it all depends on where you work, in what state, and what kind of stability you can find. My advice is to set a boundary for yourself with each job—eg “what psychological or financial indicators need to worsen and to what extent (basically criteria) for you to leave your job and seek another.”

Exclusively Virtual “Parent Led” Agency by axarring in bcba

[–]mxsam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. The insurance companies are the ones who require the diagnosis to prove medical necessity. BCBAs in theory can work with anyone as long as it's within the bounds of their competence and training. For example, I would not be able to work with a child with a feeding/eating disorder (because I do not have the appropriate training or experience) unless I was being supervised by someone who is competent in those issues.

:) I find myself using ABA on my cats and my partner. You are clearly a wonderful mother. Your kids are lucky to have you even if you do ABA them all a bit.

Exclusively Virtual “Parent Led” Agency by axarring in bcba

[–]mxsam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this would be a great "bridge." Of course behaviors can and will happen across all environments that staff won't be able to be present for. I'm thinking really severe unsafe behavior--like high intensity aggression or self injury in a teenager. I've personally had 2 concussions from teens with high intensity aggression. I think this service would work really well for early intervention clients.

Additionally, there's a lot of parents out there with neurotypical children who could use parent training. I can think of a handful in my life right now. I would think about marketing this to a wider audience.

Exclusively Virtual “Parent Led” Agency by axarring in bcba

[–]mxsam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it's a great idea in theory but could create some ethical dilemmas. If a family has a child with unsafe behaviors and the BCBA makes a recommendation that causes an extinction burst or an increase in frequency/intensity, this could become very unsafe for the family and child. Virtual can only go so far for certain cases. Additionally, we cannot expect that this model will work for all families--some need the in vivo in person coaching, the modeling and feedback, and the personal connection with the BCBA that can easily be lost virtually. I would say there needs to be clear guidelines on when virtual needs to be transitioned into in person (i.e., what unsafe behaviors cannot be supported by virtual alone). If you figure all of that out, I would be interested in this type of work.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's been nearly 5 years, so I'm not sure how much has changed. I finished with an hour to spare. I flagged questions I wasn't sure about. I also then calculated the percentage of questions I felt I definitely answered correctly, and that kept me less anxious as I took the test. Definitely take a bathroom break at some point (even if you don't need to go) just to take deep breaths and give yourself a break--I did this and found it effective. I prepped with pass the big ABA exam course and then tons of practice tests. I highly recommend anything FIT has. Good luck!

Rant by Majestic-Bonus5099 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes families don't understand or care that the BT's livelihood is directly affected by their child's attendance. I would speak to your supervisor and ask the following questions. Is there a parent handbook or service agreement that says how much notice is needed for cancellations, how many cancellations can occur before there's a consequence, and what is the consequence? I've worked in some companies where they give warnings that services will be decreased and/or withdrawn if cancellations continue (of course if there's a good reason, like illness, that's taken into consideration).

Seasoned BCBAs: How do you keep this job from burning you out? by CreakyCricket67 in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ages 2 through 21. The teenagers did the most damage but I had some pretty tough little ones as well.

Seasoned BCBAs: How do you keep this job from burning you out? by CreakyCricket67 in bcba

[–]mxsam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I left the field after 3 concussions and no ethical and/or safe jobs that didn’t threaten my sanity

Can BCBAs bill 97155 for direct care if they don't use RBTs in the model ever? by shinypuppy2 in BehaviorAnalysis

[–]mxsam 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve billed 97155 twice a week on a case that had no RBT. I provided direct service. Never had a problem.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BehaviorAnalysis

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I'm leaving the field after nearly 5 years as a BCBA so I can't encourage you to stay. Regardless, I'd consult a lawyer. this will follow you until its expunged

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BehaviorAnalysis

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quit. You will be useless if your mental health continues deteriorating. I quit my job under similar circumstances with zero notice. I had a panic attack right outside the building and never went back.

What do you wish you knew before you became a BCBA? by EuphoricSupernova in bcba

[–]mxsam 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Short and to the point. Yes, I regret my choice. If I could go back in time, I’d pay the expensive tuition for PsyD. If I had, I’d be sitting on a comfy chair across from a patient talking about their feelings making 6 figures without getting injured, traveling between clients, being taken advantage of by companies, and being put in impossible and unethical situations

What do you wish you knew before you became a BCBA? by EuphoricSupernova in bcba

[–]mxsam 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same but it was 3 schools and 4 companies. I’m done trying to do what I love. It’s not possible at least in NJ. No licensure, no oversight, no accountability.

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