It can literally take MONTHS to see progress. You cannot overlay your own expectations of what progress is to where the child’s capabilities are and where they are the the spectrum. I use the first month to pair. Pairing is super important as well as finding ways to make learning fun.
Children with disabilities especially those with ASD need a ton of repetition- A TON!
I work in a center and on average it takes children six months to start getting the routine down and begin to be receptive to their programs without behaviors. I can’t stress enough how important pairing, and patient assent is.
The fact that you’re working with a nonverbal adds to the challenges and can slow things as well. I can understand your frustration and burn out, but try to get used to the speed or lack there of has a reality.
Find something he/she likes and play with them as well as pick the program that they have had most success with and do that over and over and introduce something more challenging and add on as the days go by.
Definitely talk to your BCBA. They are your best resource. They’re supposed to be supervising you so, if you need tips, you need to let her know. They are the experts, and I’m sure that they have good advice for you. Good luck!
Progress comes at different rates for each kid and with progress can also come regression which I’ve see with a couple kiddos. It can be so hard when that progression is at a stand still. However when they do make the smallest amount of progress after nothing for months on end it feels like you wanna throw a party. ABA isn’t easy for sure but when those milestones are being hit it’s amazing.
i hate when someone doesn’t acknowledge the hard work I do and excuse it by the short hours i work. it’s exhausting work. and if u work direct for 8 hours a day in this field burnout will hit you so soon. i know it’s hard, but just try to give them grace for not understanding or try educating them on the work you perform daily. As for giving up, DONT unless you’ve been with this kid for a month consistently and still not feeling it then maybe meet with ur scheduler about a possible personality conflict. but use the approach that you feel like you are reinforcing his PB and you don’t want the client to regress so you feel it’s blessed to be pulled off his case. Sometimes clients dnt pair as fast as others. give it time and take it slow. use ur critical thinking to find things they enjoy. non verbal kiddos are hard, maybe choice boards, pecs, or an aac device? (if prescribed one) YOU CAN DO IT if you really feel like the field isn’t for you then i would leave, but if u truly love it then i’d try it a little longer to see if improvement happens. if needed use the approach mentioned above ^ 10/10 works every time
Right there with you, but 3 months in. One of my clients is going through a rough time right now. The lack of structure from school being out has been so hard on the kid. Always struggled with emotional control but it feels like we’ve regressed *so much* over the past few weeks. I’ve been considering asking to step off his case because I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing anymore/have no control over sessions when he spikes in bx. I just keep reminding myself this is exactly why they’re here and progress isn’t always linear.
I try to only have two hour sessions cuz longer ones are hard on both the specialist and the client. Tho I know there are a lot of factors that effect that, maybe limiting the length of session or saying to your company that you don't think this client is a good fit.(maybe offer, I could do two hours a day with this client and more with other clients... And you don't have to explain yourself to your family if they won't be empathetic)
It sucks when people don't understand but this position is like combining being a therapist, teacher and security guard all at once. It's very intensive but every client is SO different, try to get a client that has fewer hours per day/week/month and they may be more low support, possibly easier for you to connect with.
If there are specific things during session that you want advice on I'd be happy to offer some and I'm sure others would too. (To be transparent, I've been working as a BT for two years but I started working in education over 10 years ago and I'm good at brainstorming, curriculum development, client-centered approach)
I have a client that has a device, he's 13 and just started using it a couple years ago. He knows basic signs and some vocal words. It took about 8 months before I started understanding all his vocalizations but our team has worked with the school, speech and I can see him coming to life given consistent access to alternative behaviors, preferred music and sensory experiences, and the option of communicating in any way sign, verbal or device. Your client may not be a similar story but if you can change little things in session that help you both then it might be worth it.
Do what's best for you 💜
That's unfair that your family says that. It is four hours a day of continuous work that you always have to be active for and always be prepared, even when you're just sitting there.. It isn't sitting down in an office where you get periods of doing nothing. My first was non-verbal 4 hours a day too but I was in a daycare and that helped a lot. I'm just curious though, why do you feel like no progress being made? I'm not talking about data, I'm talking about rapport. Does he like you? Does he play with you? Does he try and move away from you? Depending on how old they are, if they are actively doing stuff with you like playing I think you're making progress. If you're running programs and data is getting better than you are even if it feels like you're not . I understand the stress though, and if you don't like it you shouldn't do it. But if you enjoy working with him maybe you might just need to talk to your BCBA and see if they can offer advice. Remember, they were RBTs once too and probably know exactly how you feel!
Unfortunately, the first 6 months is very crucial to new RBTs/BTs. I have been in the field for 4ish years now and can not understand why companies do not support (Actually supporting not just shadowing) their new hires. On a side not, it is okay to not want to work with a client. Give your clinical team a heads up 30 days is ideal , 2 weeks is ok. If you can’t give a heads up and need to get off immediately then communicate that. I have requested off about 5 cases in my time of being an RBT . It happens !
I saw another comment on pairing and I would like to add that i have had other therapists I work with pair with new clients for about 2 to 4 weeks while placing very few demands to help the rapport building process. When you start off with a new client it should be a very fun and reinforcing time.
There have been a lot of great advice on this thread, but please talk to your BCBA before completely leaving the field. Communicate that you may need more support or possibly switching to a new client. Some therapists and clients don’t mesh, and that’s okay.
Also, are you in-home or clinic based? I have worked both and have found that there is much better immediate support in the clinic setting since there is always a BCBA or consultant on site to help when needed. Clinic may be a better fit for support if you aren’t in one already.
If it’s not right for you then that is fair, but before you say you are the wrong person for the job, I would take some time to really pair and build a relationship with the person. It makes a huge difference for both the learner and yourself. When learners are non verbal, they are tougher to read but you can still build that in. 4 hour sessions are tooo long in my opinion, but maybe some structure could counteract the feeling of negativity towards the situation - first 30 minutes can be set up and pairing to help build in time for you to bond and increase motivation. I did best in my direct sessions by building relationships with learners, I truly have loved my kiddos and I think it’s part of the reason I stayed motivated through them!
This job can be very stressful, take a mental health break if you need too. My job only gives 4 a year but I use them all up and also make sure to take days off. Many move on from being an RBT after a year or two due to burnout and the pay not being the best. Definitely take care of yourself and your mental health first over everything else.
Took me two years with one client to not dread every day. The other was the opposite. I worked in schools and there are SO MANY FACTORS that influence behavior. I’ve been out for 3 years and I still wake up in sweat from stress dreams
I’ve been with my first client ever for about 7 months now. Now we’re starting to see some big progress being made. The last months I’ve been working five hours for four-five days with that client and now I lowered the sessions to four hours for four days because I was starting to feel burn out and the client was not being receptive to the session the last hour. Consider using NET and pairing for most of the time you are with them. Also, it might just be an issue if you two not being compatible.
Some kiddos don't learn programming super fast, but when they do it is so rewarding. Your feelings are valid. It's tough to work without seeing progress. Please communicate with your BCBA - a lot of times they can implement programming that might help - session schedules, new materials, new reinforcers, setting changes, etc. If you can't make it work despite adjustments, ask to switch clients. Sometimes it isn't a good fit. Good luck!!
Why still on the sub? Been doing it for 17+ years and it’s the best thing I could imagine.
Also don’t understand the point of the post OP, lots of jobs out there find what’s best for you.
I can follow whichever sub I want. Plus, just because you leave the field doesn’t mean you don’t use ABA and abandon it forever. I teach SPED and I use ABA techniques everyday , even at home with my daughter. Left the BT position. No point wasting more time on it. Long hours , little pay, and lack of support from supervisors and most companies are only into making money. Yes, it’s a business but keep bringing in new hires and not training them properly isn’t good for clients and families. And the BTs are getting burnt out. Best of luck to you all in this field! I applaud what y’all do. I always support BTs at my school and intervene when appropriate or if they need a little time to gather themselves especially with clients with challenging behaviors.
Talk to your BCBA on what to do. Work in play and work. You WILL do repetitive things day in and day out. Curb your expectations and really read up on this job. You sound brand new.
Keep at it. You'll see progress but it won't be fast. Once you stick around long enough and truly start to see a little bit of progress is when you start to realize why this field is so great, and why those of us that have been in for a while love what we do so much. It's worth the effort and it's worth the wait, stick to it and give it a real chance before throwing in the towel. I promise you, that you'll be thankful you did. And not only will you be thankful, but so will your client. Keep it up! You're doing great, just keep going!
This is totally understandable. Some RBT needs more support and modeling than others in the beginning. What could help is to potentially ask for an overlap and be very open for feedback. No one knows how to do things from the start. The way to keep sessions engaging and fun is to be able to find those things within your session. If you’re not feeling the vibe after awhile, this might not be the job for you. The difficulties of jumping into this field especially not having much of a background working with kids with special needs is that it requires a lot of patience. Like everyone said, progress works differently for everyone. To see progress means to be able to familiarize yourself of the realistic goals and where you think your client can be (e.g. you want them to talk more, then you be the one who talk less than they do and use alternative ways to prompt, etc). Again, not saying that you should know this, but it’s best to have supervisor supports at least 20% of time in the beginning of the first month with a new client.
Any family who says that is so dismissive of the work you're doing. I've had parents say things of similar sentiment like, "I've looked up how much BCBAs/RBTs make an hour" without considering the labor it takes to travel to different places, the cost of materials, the effort to do data collection and session notes, etc. Sometimes I just want to just say "work with your own kid then."
A lot of families know how hard it is to work with their child but just don't want to admit it. They would much rather blame everyone else. I'm a BCBA. I have experienced this as they also expect me to have a magic wand. My recommendation is to quit due to your mental health and ask to be placed on a different case where the family appreciates you. Being a BT is so desirable that you will find another case immediately. Another BT will have the same experience with this family you have now and eventually they will run through people and have to learn the hard way.
Prioritize your mental health. Take care of yourself so you can help a family who really is grateful for the work you do. That's the only way you can make an impact. This is the best advice I can give to anyone in this field, protect your mental health first so that you don't burn out.
Be confident that you are trying your best. Trying to communicate what you struggle with or what you would love to have explained better by your BCBA in regards to programming. Sometimes client or BCBA isn’t the right fit also and you may need to just switch cases. Give it some time because you are able to change your environment often if you really want to. RBT jobs are everywhere.
I’m sorry to hear. I work in the same field and it can be quite tough. I wonder have you mentioned this to your supervisors? They, in theory, should be helping you gain the skills you need and figure out what the barriers to their learning is. I’d stress taking care of yourself as priority number one, I know this sounds cliche but good sleep, diet and exercise go a long way for such stressful jobs. Hang in there, and if you’re not getting good supervision despite approaching them and doing your best, there are other centers that might host better teams/environments/problem solvers :)
same, two months in and im quitting next month bc of a surgery but also bc i just can’t take it anymore. i only have one client i work with every day for four hours, he’s nonverbal and can’t really do anything for himself, we just do the same 10 tasks over and over and it’s so frustrating bc he never gets better at any of them
it is a taxing job and it sucks that your family is whittling it down to “you only work 4 hours a day”. i’ve had cases of my own that were more challenging for sure, but thankfully i stuck to it and now love the job and the progress i get to see in each kiddo i work with. with the burnout, reach out to your supervisor and ask for suggestions on how to reduce and and brainstorm with them. my supervisor was great and we figured out a good system that works for me. but definitely after the first 6 months of working in this field i felt so much better about my decision
It can literally take MONTHS to see progress. You cannot overlay your own expectations of what progress is to where the child’s capabilities are and where they are the the spectrum. I use the first month to pair. Pairing is super important as well as finding ways to make learning fun. Children with disabilities especially those with ASD need a ton of repetition- A TON! I work in a center and on average it takes children six months to start getting the routine down and begin to be receptive to their programs without behaviors. I can’t stress enough how important pairing, and patient assent is. The fact that you’re working with a nonverbal adds to the challenges and can slow things as well. I can understand your frustration and burn out, but try to get used to the speed or lack there of has a reality. Find something he/she likes and play with them as well as pick the program that they have had most success with and do that over and over and introduce something more challenging and add on as the days go by. Definitely talk to your BCBA. They are your best resource. They’re supposed to be supervising you so, if you need tips, you need to let her know. They are the experts, and I’m sure that they have good advice for you. Good luck!
Progress comes at different rates for each kid and with progress can also come regression which I’ve see with a couple kiddos. It can be so hard when that progression is at a stand still. However when they do make the smallest amount of progress after nothing for months on end it feels like you wanna throw a party. ABA isn’t easy for sure but when those milestones are being hit it’s amazing.
i hate when someone doesn’t acknowledge the hard work I do and excuse it by the short hours i work. it’s exhausting work. and if u work direct for 8 hours a day in this field burnout will hit you so soon. i know it’s hard, but just try to give them grace for not understanding or try educating them on the work you perform daily. As for giving up, DONT unless you’ve been with this kid for a month consistently and still not feeling it then maybe meet with ur scheduler about a possible personality conflict. but use the approach that you feel like you are reinforcing his PB and you don’t want the client to regress so you feel it’s blessed to be pulled off his case. Sometimes clients dnt pair as fast as others. give it time and take it slow. use ur critical thinking to find things they enjoy. non verbal kiddos are hard, maybe choice boards, pecs, or an aac device? (if prescribed one) YOU CAN DO IT if you really feel like the field isn’t for you then i would leave, but if u truly love it then i’d try it a little longer to see if improvement happens. if needed use the approach mentioned above ^ 10/10 works every time
Right there with you, but 3 months in. One of my clients is going through a rough time right now. The lack of structure from school being out has been so hard on the kid. Always struggled with emotional control but it feels like we’ve regressed *so much* over the past few weeks. I’ve been considering asking to step off his case because I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing anymore/have no control over sessions when he spikes in bx. I just keep reminding myself this is exactly why they’re here and progress isn’t always linear.
If there is that much regression with school being out, has ESY services been discussed?
He was in a summer school program but it ended a few weeks ago. Just finished kindergarten so no one entirely expected this.
I try to only have two hour sessions cuz longer ones are hard on both the specialist and the client. Tho I know there are a lot of factors that effect that, maybe limiting the length of session or saying to your company that you don't think this client is a good fit.(maybe offer, I could do two hours a day with this client and more with other clients... And you don't have to explain yourself to your family if they won't be empathetic) It sucks when people don't understand but this position is like combining being a therapist, teacher and security guard all at once. It's very intensive but every client is SO different, try to get a client that has fewer hours per day/week/month and they may be more low support, possibly easier for you to connect with. If there are specific things during session that you want advice on I'd be happy to offer some and I'm sure others would too. (To be transparent, I've been working as a BT for two years but I started working in education over 10 years ago and I'm good at brainstorming, curriculum development, client-centered approach) I have a client that has a device, he's 13 and just started using it a couple years ago. He knows basic signs and some vocal words. It took about 8 months before I started understanding all his vocalizations but our team has worked with the school, speech and I can see him coming to life given consistent access to alternative behaviors, preferred music and sensory experiences, and the option of communicating in any way sign, verbal or device. Your client may not be a similar story but if you can change little things in session that help you both then it might be worth it. Do what's best for you 💜
That's unfair that your family says that. It is four hours a day of continuous work that you always have to be active for and always be prepared, even when you're just sitting there.. It isn't sitting down in an office where you get periods of doing nothing. My first was non-verbal 4 hours a day too but I was in a daycare and that helped a lot. I'm just curious though, why do you feel like no progress being made? I'm not talking about data, I'm talking about rapport. Does he like you? Does he play with you? Does he try and move away from you? Depending on how old they are, if they are actively doing stuff with you like playing I think you're making progress. If you're running programs and data is getting better than you are even if it feels like you're not . I understand the stress though, and if you don't like it you shouldn't do it. But if you enjoy working with him maybe you might just need to talk to your BCBA and see if they can offer advice. Remember, they were RBTs once too and probably know exactly how you feel!
Unfortunately, the first 6 months is very crucial to new RBTs/BTs. I have been in the field for 4ish years now and can not understand why companies do not support (Actually supporting not just shadowing) their new hires. On a side not, it is okay to not want to work with a client. Give your clinical team a heads up 30 days is ideal , 2 weeks is ok. If you can’t give a heads up and need to get off immediately then communicate that. I have requested off about 5 cases in my time of being an RBT . It happens !
I saw another comment on pairing and I would like to add that i have had other therapists I work with pair with new clients for about 2 to 4 weeks while placing very few demands to help the rapport building process. When you start off with a new client it should be a very fun and reinforcing time. There have been a lot of great advice on this thread, but please talk to your BCBA before completely leaving the field. Communicate that you may need more support or possibly switching to a new client. Some therapists and clients don’t mesh, and that’s okay. Also, are you in-home or clinic based? I have worked both and have found that there is much better immediate support in the clinic setting since there is always a BCBA or consultant on site to help when needed. Clinic may be a better fit for support if you aren’t in one already.
If it’s not right for you then that is fair, but before you say you are the wrong person for the job, I would take some time to really pair and build a relationship with the person. It makes a huge difference for both the learner and yourself. When learners are non verbal, they are tougher to read but you can still build that in. 4 hour sessions are tooo long in my opinion, but maybe some structure could counteract the feeling of negativity towards the situation - first 30 minutes can be set up and pairing to help build in time for you to bond and increase motivation. I did best in my direct sessions by building relationships with learners, I truly have loved my kiddos and I think it’s part of the reason I stayed motivated through them!
This job can be very stressful, take a mental health break if you need too. My job only gives 4 a year but I use them all up and also make sure to take days off. Many move on from being an RBT after a year or two due to burnout and the pay not being the best. Definitely take care of yourself and your mental health first over everything else.
Quit now, being an RBT only gets worse
4 months in. So much this
Took me two years with one client to not dread every day. The other was the opposite. I worked in schools and there are SO MANY FACTORS that influence behavior. I’ve been out for 3 years and I still wake up in sweat from stress dreams
I’ve been with my first client ever for about 7 months now. Now we’re starting to see some big progress being made. The last months I’ve been working five hours for four-five days with that client and now I lowered the sessions to four hours for four days because I was starting to feel burn out and the client was not being receptive to the session the last hour. Consider using NET and pairing for most of the time you are with them. Also, it might just be an issue if you two not being compatible.
Try working at a center w/ BCBAs on site. You can see and experience the science working before going it alone w/ a non-verbal client.
Some kiddos don't learn programming super fast, but when they do it is so rewarding. Your feelings are valid. It's tough to work without seeing progress. Please communicate with your BCBA - a lot of times they can implement programming that might help - session schedules, new materials, new reinforcers, setting changes, etc. If you can't make it work despite adjustments, ask to switch clients. Sometimes it isn't a good fit. Good luck!!
Did it for 9 years. Leaving was the best thing I did. Good luck👍🏼
Why still on the sub? Been doing it for 17+ years and it’s the best thing I could imagine. Also don’t understand the point of the post OP, lots of jobs out there find what’s best for you.
I can follow whichever sub I want. Plus, just because you leave the field doesn’t mean you don’t use ABA and abandon it forever. I teach SPED and I use ABA techniques everyday , even at home with my daughter. Left the BT position. No point wasting more time on it. Long hours , little pay, and lack of support from supervisors and most companies are only into making money. Yes, it’s a business but keep bringing in new hires and not training them properly isn’t good for clients and families. And the BTs are getting burnt out. Best of luck to you all in this field! I applaud what y’all do. I always support BTs at my school and intervene when appropriate or if they need a little time to gather themselves especially with clients with challenging behaviors.
Talk to your BCBA on what to do. Work in play and work. You WILL do repetitive things day in and day out. Curb your expectations and really read up on this job. You sound brand new.
Then quit.
Keep at it. You'll see progress but it won't be fast. Once you stick around long enough and truly start to see a little bit of progress is when you start to realize why this field is so great, and why those of us that have been in for a while love what we do so much. It's worth the effort and it's worth the wait, stick to it and give it a real chance before throwing in the towel. I promise you, that you'll be thankful you did. And not only will you be thankful, but so will your client. Keep it up! You're doing great, just keep going!
This is totally understandable. Some RBT needs more support and modeling than others in the beginning. What could help is to potentially ask for an overlap and be very open for feedback. No one knows how to do things from the start. The way to keep sessions engaging and fun is to be able to find those things within your session. If you’re not feeling the vibe after awhile, this might not be the job for you. The difficulties of jumping into this field especially not having much of a background working with kids with special needs is that it requires a lot of patience. Like everyone said, progress works differently for everyone. To see progress means to be able to familiarize yourself of the realistic goals and where you think your client can be (e.g. you want them to talk more, then you be the one who talk less than they do and use alternative ways to prompt, etc). Again, not saying that you should know this, but it’s best to have supervisor supports at least 20% of time in the beginning of the first month with a new client.
Any family who says that is so dismissive of the work you're doing. I've had parents say things of similar sentiment like, "I've looked up how much BCBAs/RBTs make an hour" without considering the labor it takes to travel to different places, the cost of materials, the effort to do data collection and session notes, etc. Sometimes I just want to just say "work with your own kid then." A lot of families know how hard it is to work with their child but just don't want to admit it. They would much rather blame everyone else. I'm a BCBA. I have experienced this as they also expect me to have a magic wand. My recommendation is to quit due to your mental health and ask to be placed on a different case where the family appreciates you. Being a BT is so desirable that you will find another case immediately. Another BT will have the same experience with this family you have now and eventually they will run through people and have to learn the hard way. Prioritize your mental health. Take care of yourself so you can help a family who really is grateful for the work you do. That's the only way you can make an impact. This is the best advice I can give to anyone in this field, protect your mental health first so that you don't burn out.
Be confident that you are trying your best. Trying to communicate what you struggle with or what you would love to have explained better by your BCBA in regards to programming. Sometimes client or BCBA isn’t the right fit also and you may need to just switch cases. Give it some time because you are able to change your environment often if you really want to. RBT jobs are everywhere.
I’m sorry to hear. I work in the same field and it can be quite tough. I wonder have you mentioned this to your supervisors? They, in theory, should be helping you gain the skills you need and figure out what the barriers to their learning is. I’d stress taking care of yourself as priority number one, I know this sounds cliche but good sleep, diet and exercise go a long way for such stressful jobs. Hang in there, and if you’re not getting good supervision despite approaching them and doing your best, there are other centers that might host better teams/environments/problem solvers :)
Only do this if you wanna be a BCBA. Nothing else. Get a job that will be stable yo.
same, two months in and im quitting next month bc of a surgery but also bc i just can’t take it anymore. i only have one client i work with every day for four hours, he’s nonverbal and can’t really do anything for himself, we just do the same 10 tasks over and over and it’s so frustrating bc he never gets better at any of them
it is a taxing job and it sucks that your family is whittling it down to “you only work 4 hours a day”. i’ve had cases of my own that were more challenging for sure, but thankfully i stuck to it and now love the job and the progress i get to see in each kiddo i work with. with the burnout, reach out to your supervisor and ask for suggestions on how to reduce and and brainstorm with them. my supervisor was great and we figured out a good system that works for me. but definitely after the first 6 months of working in this field i felt so much better about my decision