A day in the life of a behavior technician
A day in the life of a behavior interventionist is filled with rewards, interesting moments, and, generally, always keeps you on your toes. The trick is to prepare in such a way so that you are ready for where-ever the day’s sessions take you.
What is an ABA session?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. An ABA session can take many forms. Sometimes it’s going to a client’s house and working on skills such as labeling colors, playing games in a group, working on trying new foods, etc. Other times you might be in the community working on patience when being in non-preferred stores, or playing team sports for longer and longer durations of time. These are just some of the situations that can present themselves in a session.
1. Showing Up to the Session
Your day will begin when you show up at the client’s house. Before going inside, take a moment to organize your data paperwork, tablet, reinforcements that the client enjoys, and anything else you need for your session. Take a moment to breathe and envision what a successful time in this particular home should look like. Then, as much as you can control it, do everything to make what you see in your head a reality.
Greet the family and client with positivity
Be well rested, positive, and excited for what this time with your client holds. Remember, how you start the session can, in many ways, dictate how it will go. Eliminate any preconceived notions if your last session with this (or any client) was challenging. Today is a new day and it’s a chance for breakthroughs big and small.
3. Organize for the Session and Prepare Notes
Clock in on your tablet or phone and get any paperwork filled out that you may need. Try not to hold too many things or have your pockets filled. This can restrict your movement and your ability to act should a session prove more challenging. Dress comfortably but discreetly so you can play a game of catch, go on a bike ride, or simply sit on the floor if that’s what the session calls for.
4. Keep the Session Moving
Make a list of the programs you wish to run (either on paper or a whiteboard) and then share it with your client. Have them choose (if appropriate) the order that the programs are run in. This will create “buy in” and give them a sense of control. It makes the session more collaborative and not this event in their lives where you’re coming over and “making” them do things. Use a timer so that your client knows the expectation of how long a given program or task will last. Try and keep the reinforcers fresh so that it can be a mix of things they like that will keep them motivated.
5. Finish Up or Go to Another Session
Generally, sessions last for a minimum of two hours and can go many hours more in some situations. A Behavior Interventionist often has multiple sessions in a given day. The key to staying engaged is to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, trying not to overwork, and hopefully not overcommitting yourself. All sessions have time built into them for finishing up data and saying “goodbye” to the client and their family for that day. Try and give yourself time between sessions that is stress free and allows you to be at your best for your next client.