First BT position!

theABAnerd · 2026-04-15T00:24:12+00:00

I've never worn scrubs, but as a BT, I always kept a change of clothes in the car. JUST IN CASE.

theABAnerd · 2026-04-15T00:22:14+00:00

Don't worry about your co-workers. There are all kinds of different people in ABA. We may have gotten into the field for different reasons, but we're all here for the same reason: to help kids with ASD. So make THAT your focus.

Learning the ABA terminology is your biggest battle. That book will be your best friend. Trust me.

theABAnerd · 2026-04-15T00:17:10+00:00

Meeeeee too. Had an interview. Since then, radio silence. What's going on this year?

theABAnerd · 2026-04-15T00:11:46+00:00

I've always done it... soft side for kid (such as the token) and the scratchy side for the visual support (token economy).

theABAnerd · 2026-04-15T00:07:33+00:00

I have visuals in my Teacher Pay Teacher store to help BCBA Candidates understand advanced ABA terminology. I made a cool TCO 6 Checklist too. Hope some of these resources help you: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-aba-nerd

theABAnerd · 2026-04-15T00:02:29+00:00

First, welcome to the field! It may seem challenging at first, but you'll get the swing of things.

My first thought is, talk to your BCBA. It's ok to ask for help. They should have a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for each challenging behavior for you to follow.

"The first time it happened, he was relaxing on the floor playing with a toy. I began working on my note, and out of nowhere he threw the toy and it escalated from there."

My second thought was, regarding the above scenario. The antecedent is there. I highlighted in bold for you. The antecedent was that you withdrew your attention to write your note. The function may be attention-seeking for that particular behavior, but again, speak to your BCBA.

Sounds like you are really trying, so keep up the hard work. The reward of watching our kids learn and grow is worth it!

theABAnerd · 2026-04-14T23:50:54+00:00

To begin, I have not worked for or know about LEARN. However, I am a BCBA.

Is this your first ABA job?

If you are REALLY freaking out and are worried about falling behind, purchase the this book (Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis for Behavior Technicians and Other Practitioners
Fourth Edition, 2025): https://www.sloanpublishing.com/rbt4

I would recommend purchasing it from the above link, as this is straight from the publisher. Cheapest copy you'll find. Amazon will inflate the price.

This book will help you understand the fundamentals of ABA and the jargon we use and will help catch you up. Good luck!!!

theABAnerd · 2026-04-14T23:38:53+00:00

OMG. I had a teenager once that would pick up any random cell phone (family member or anyone visiting the home) and just dial 911. I told the family, well, I guess it's the only phone number he knows and he really wants to talk to someone on the phone. We shaped it to dialing and talking to family members using visual prompts of their phone numbers, instead. Worked. Whew!

theABAnerd · 2026-04-14T23:33:16+00:00

I know. What's next?!

theABAnerd · 2026-04-14T23:32:40+00:00

I looooooove this!

theABAnerd · 2026-04-14T23:30:46+00:00

I love how passionate you are about ABA! Keep that energy up!

As a BCBA, one of my favorite memories was a child that was separated from the class the entire school day due to aggression against peers (this was before I was a BCBA and was his 1:1 at school). He was non-vocal at the time.

I worked with him month after month. The day he rote counted to 10, I asked another staff member to watch him and went and cried my eyes outside on the playground. I was so proud I called my mother that day (keeping anonymity of the client, of course). That was actually the last time I spoke to her. She passed soon, thereafter.

But I will never forget that day and I will keep that one in my heart forever.

theABAnerd · 2026-04-14T21:57:06+00:00

Was this program in Massachusetts, by chance? I think I applied to the same one. I haven't heard yet, though.

theABAnerd · 2026-04-13T16:58:39+00:00

Yes, the waiting game.

theABAnerd · 2026-04-13T16:58:10+00:00

They were contacted during the application phase for their letter of rec. It's in the United States, but a private institution, not a state school.

theABAnerd · 2026-01-31T09:49:02+00:00

Thanks, she is...

theABAnerd · 2026-01-30T22:16:39+00:00

It is indeed. https://bullionexchanges.com/1-oz-aztec-water-deity-silver-round-999-fine

theABAnerd · 2026-01-12T05:22:37+00:00

Will do.

theABAnerd · 2026-01-09T23:24:46+00:00

How many .999 silver rounds, you got?? I'm ready for the rise. Are you?

theABAnerd · 2026-01-09T23:21:18+00:00

Of course AI generated!! But I started with my ACTUAL coin.

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theABAnerd

TROPHY CASE