From the Words of an RBT

Hope everyone is well! I am back with another blog posting. My daughter is a registered behavior technician (RBT), so I decided to interview her in an effort to gain further insight on Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The following is a selection of questions I asked and answers given at this time:

Q: "What does RBT stand for and what type of services do you provide?"

A: "RBT stands for registered behavior technician; individuals who hold this title have completed the necessary RBT coursework and passed the proctored exam. I provide applied behavior analysis teachings in a variety of ways. I work two jobs and, at one of them, I use ABA to help develop my clients' sport and social skills. At my other job, there is a lot of table work and it resembles more of a classroom setting."

Q: "Do you have a preference for either of either two jobs?"

A: "I love both jobs and all of my clients the same, so it is nearly impossible to choose. However, I can say that I enjoy the diversity in which I provide ABA. Doing one thing one way 24/7 gets tiresome, so I appreciate the variety. One day I am teaching a client how to rock climb and the next day I am teaching someone how to wait patiently for 10 seconds. The possibilities for learning opportunities are endless!”

Q: “What sparked your interest in this field of work?”

A: “I have always known that I wanted to help people. I studied a sociology-related field during my undergraduate career; a lot of the coursework revolved around victimology and diversity. A friend of mine has been an RBT for over five years, and I always like hearing about her days. I decided to give it a go and have not looked back since! I feel as though this is my calling!”

Q: “Are you able to discuss the nature of your relationship with the parents of your clients?”

A: “I am- with some limitations of course. The parents are my clients just as much as their children are; their presence and input makes my job a lot easier. I really do value when parents share little things like their child’s favorite television show or any behaviors that occurred on the drive over. Every piece of information counts! As I mentioned, parents are clients too so I ensure that they receive just as much attention from me as their children do.”

This is so true and more overlooked than I thought! The parents of children with autism and other special needs are just as much clients as their children are. I have always held the utmost respect for them, but that interview was just another reminder to give them their flowers upon every opportunity. These parents know their children better than anyone and they key to success for everyone involved in their child’s life. This blog would not be an ode to said parents without any mention of them- right?!

I hope to have shed a spectrum of light onto you. May you have nothing short of a bright and peaceful day!