Careers In Behavior Analysis (COMMENTARY & RESOURCES)

[@TheDailyBA]

What area do you work in? Do you want to expand? Were there any points that were missed? Let's chat!

[@ravellewellock7028]

The Daily BA: currently in-home and community behavioral services. The Gemini in me is interested in EVERYTHING. Currently working on/most interested in dissemination and bridging/combining fields and interests. I’m still new enough in this field...my love for this science is the application of it, and even in what I do currently, it’s ironic to me that people have difficulties in actually APPLYING it further!

[@TheDailyBA]

@@ravellewellock7028 Nice! Haha, I feel you - btw also a Gemini ;) I think with good training and mentorship you can see that application everywhere, it's just we're scaling too fast as a field to really teach that perspective systematically.

[@wescoatartist]

Both clinical and in the dissemination space (as you know! :) You're spot on in all these points. I think there are some good things to consider, but also that list is at least a starting point to the potential of the field. Transparency, however, should really be considered in the process and I feel like some people in the space aren't really doing as good of a job in that. I think it'd help propel the science towards the mainstream.

[@sheenaaikins4939]

I'm currently a Behavior Tech working in-home. I've been a tech for almost 3 years now. I also just started my Masters degree at Capella in January. Planning on getting my BCBA credential after graduation. In terms of this video, my biggest love has always been (and will always be) music. I'm trying to figure out the best way to intertwine music and Behavior Analysis because music is such a universal language.

[@pardonmyfrench4760]

I've used ABA in all sorts of environments....using differential reinforcement and shaping procedures as a personal trainer to reinforce successful approximations to form and rate of repetitions during exercise. In the autistic community, I've done in-home, clinical, school observations, and currently really into Acceptance and Commitment therapy to help the families of autistic children and reduce burnout of RBT's. I literally live, breathe, eat, drink ABA all day. Keep up the good work!

[@ravellewellock7028]

Love this for Many reasons! Yes, we want to expand the field- but I do also think a lot of people have a passive approach. Maybe this is due to their insecurities or it could be related to my generation of having access to everything and anything. I saw this a lot with studying for the BCBA...many were interested in study groups, but very few in comparison were interested in participating, creating material, etc. Now at my company I work at, I’m trying to inspire my coworkers to expand beyond the box, and it’s been a struggle, but I think with time it’s coming along. There’s a possibility of coming into contact with failure, and I think that scares a lot of people.

[@TheDailyBA]

Definitely agree with this, and to add a bit, I think some coordination between various entities (e.g., BACB, ABAI, etc.) could lead us down a path of focused and intentional expansion. Not sure how much bandwidth there is or could be for that though...

[@ravellewellock7028]

The Daily BA, what are the challenges of that? Is it just differing opinions? I would think you’d want to collaborate with other groups

[@ninjasaurusrexatron]

@@ravellewellock7028 in that conversation the first question you will be asked is, "can i bill insurance for that?" since the answer is no that is also where the conversation typically ends.

[@TheDailyBA]

@@ravellewellock7028 My understanding is that there's limited resources (i.e., time and cash) to focus on anything outside the acceleration in autism/etc. On top of that, it's been quite clear that the BACB and ABAI and APBA have historically had a hard time coordinating (and appears so if you watch the recent international changes and how each communicated around that). I think what's most likely is a serious change in the field (e.g., significant rate cuts) is what it's going to take for people to all come together and work for a unified goal like expansion outside other areas. That's systemically, not individually.

[@TheDailyBA]

@@ninjasaurusrexatron Right? ugh.

[@makeitinny]

There is also certainly the Selection Bias factor to consider.

[@TheDailyBA]

Sure; measuring it is damn near impossible; unaware of any data.

[@ivanperez2705]

This is very encouraging. Add in a little creativity and see where it takes you, then the BLS salaray estimates or whatever could end up being entirely irrelevant to your experience in the course you've charted. Thanks for making this.

[@Sugarypop13]

I love this video so much!!

[@TheDailyBA]

hey thanks! :)

[@Fee07]

I specialized in Autism, you were one of my professors! I am about graduate. Will I be able to switch over to OBM or I need an additional certification?

[@ninjasaurusrexatron]

asking bacb about careers seems like it's missing the point. only people who are in the bacb are people who need a bcba to do their job. only people who need a bcba to do their job are people providing state- or insurance-funded services for people with ASD or other developmental disabilities. how do we get better metrics and representation of people who identify as behaviorists but are not employed in this specific area? there's no mailing list, industry group, professional association...not even a facebook page.

[@TheDailyBA]

Solid question. It sounds like something larger tech companies could potentially provide a loose proxy of (e.g., Facebook has roughly 180K interested in behaviorism in the US based on the backend of ads).

[@weantoine]

This is not true. I/O science is interested in Behaviors in and of organizations/schools etc. This is a large and varied field.

[@ssanche88]

I’m undecided if I should specialize in ASD or OBM. Help!!

[@TheDailyBA]

I can't answer that for you! I'd suggest getting some hands-on experience in both to start learning which you prefer and are good at!

[@user-nn2sl2sl5p]

Hey! If anyone can share details on pursuing ABA as a international student in USA, It would be of great help!

[@marley9766]

Hey ! I’ve been a supervisor with ASD kids and I want to change paths to OBM. It’s been a struggle Where do I start ? Any advise is much appreciated!!!

[@TheDailyBA]

They have some recommendations at the BACB here: www.bacb.com/wp-content/respecialization-guidance