r/ABA • u/Interesting_Dog_1453 • 1d ago

Can someone explain their day as an RBT? And then if anyone is an ABA? lol I would love to hear both perspectives

Oops I meant BCBA šŸ˜­

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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7

u/pinksunflowergirl 1d ago

if anyone is an ABA? what does that even mean šŸ˜­ hi yes I actually AM applied behavioral analysis nice to meet you

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u/Interesting_Dog_1453 23h ago

OMG I didnā€™t even realize I was typing this as I was doing chores šŸ˜­šŸ˜­šŸ˜­I meant BCBA

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u/Expendable_Red_Shirt BCBA 22h ago

I've heard people use that term before. I think they just mean "Applied Behavior Analyst". I personally hate it when people use ABA as a profession but it's not unheard of. I think some people think because someone who practices SLP is an SLP someone who practices OT is an OT, etc.

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u/PrestigiousHunter363 1d ago

I work at a clinic that is similar to a school setting. Clients are put in ā€œteamsā€ and staff is assigned to a team and not just one particular client. There are usually 3-4 clients to one team. Our day starts at 7:30 where we get things ready before clients come at 9. We work an hour with the clients at a time and rotate throughout the team during the day. I get a 30 minute lunch break around 12:30-1 and then go back to working with clients until 3:30 when they leave for the day.

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u/Interesting_Dog_1453 23h ago

Thanks for replying! Thatā€™s good that they rotate do you feel that prevents burn out? Or not really bc your still working šŸ˜…

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u/Psychological-Ad9333 1d ago

So where are you coming from here? Information from rbts vs people who receive services/ family of someone who receives services? Or responsibilities you may see day to day if you work in aba? In order to give answers, I personally need more information.

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u/Interesting_Dog_1453 1d ago

Yes I would like to know information from an RBT and what a day in their life looks like at work. As I said ā€œcan someone explain their day as an RBTā€

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u/UnderstandingOld8202 1d ago

An RBT can work in different ā€œgeneralā€ settings: school, home and clinic. I say ā€œgeneralā€ because depending on what the BCBA had programmed, I come with these kids to after school, grocery stores, zoos, in door play grounds, restaurants.

I have experience working at clientā€™s homes who can be as young as 18 months and as old as 18 years. I am assigned different kids per day of the week. These kids live within a reasonable radius of my home address. I deliver care via video (telehealth) and in person.

My week varies really but I have alternating telehealth and in person days. I work 6 hours a day, between 9 AM and 7:30 PM. For in person days, I drive around. A car is required for working in-home. My toys and materials are in my trunk.

My lunch breaks are from 30 minutes to an hour.

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u/Interesting_Dog_1453 23h ago

Thanks I really appreciate you taking the time. I have friends that are in the field and worked with 13-18 range and had HORRIBLE stories to tell. I know thatā€™s not every situation so I canā€™t generalize but it makes me a bittt nervous. Do you ever feel all over the place bc of the inconsistent schedule? I think I would feel that way but then again it keeps work a little more interesting instead of the same thing every single day

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u/UnderstandingOld8202 5h ago

Hahaha there are a lot of bad stories out there. It is a very difficult job and not all companies take good care of their people. The system could be better as well.

There are definitely ways to address your concerns around predictability on the job. Some of them include asking for a smaller case load, seeing clients/students on set days and times per week, emphasizing your need to be supported by a BCBA or a supervisor (as they should). These are just a few.

I think its also very important to find a company that matches your values. That promotes a good work culture. I am very proud of mine. My companyā€™s culture is very kind. They are ethical too!

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u/Dussaa 23h ago

My caseload changes from season to season but right now i have about 3 clients a day. Go in at 8:15 to prep. Sometimes i have 30 minute breaks between clients and sometimes I have 2 hours. Typically leave work around 5:30-6.

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u/Interesting_Dog_1453 23h ago

Do you feel like 3 clients a day is a good amount in terms of workload? Some people have said they just have so many clients and canā€™t catch a breath. Do you feel your constantly in work mode all day or is it more calm than that

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u/Dussaa 13h ago

I would actually say its more calm. The variety is nice because I feel like if Iā€™m stuck with one client for too long, then I would feel like I was in work mode all day. But the most amount of time I am with a client is 4 hrs.

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u/Upset-Hedgehog2636 21h ago

I work in a school as an RBT! I love it so much more than working in a clinic. I am one on one with the same kiddo all day and I go along with them to their classes. In my opinion the day goes by so much faster when youā€™re switching classes and not stuck in the same place all day. My kiddo is in integrated classes so Iā€™m really just there to monitor behaviors and use my certification in that way! I use my RBT knowledge all day; even when talking to the other kids when theyā€™re upset!

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u/Upset-Hedgehog2636 21h ago

Along with that thereā€™s also school vacations that you get off! You can find a company that will place you in a school; sometimes they may even pay you for vacations! My old company did that but I switched because there was no communication so thatā€™s a huge thing you should look for. Also keep in mind when working in schools they may not have summer work so keep some options in mind!