|  | Conditions Treatments | Autism

ABA Therapist Requirements

Applied Behavior Analysis is a strategy to help people with autism learn and develop. The ABA program teaches cognitive, social and linguistic skills across a range of social settings. There is a strong concentration on reinforcing and rewarding positive behavior traits and discouraging actions deemed negative or inappropriate. The average salary of an ABA therapist as of July 2010 was $28,291 to $40,261, according to Pay Scale, the career and education website.

  1. Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

    • The requirements for ABA therapists vary widely depending on the employer, says Education Portal. In general, the minimum is a bachelor’s degree in a subject such as childhood education, counseling or psychology. Candidates can pursue a psychology degree with a concentration in ABA therapy, which teaches them techniques to adapt autism sufferers’ behavior to specific settings. Key themes include data analysis, behavior management and intervention techniques. Candidates for ABA-relevant bachelor’s programs usually require high school studies in subjects such as English and the social sciences.

    Master’s Degree Requirements

    • Some employers favor candidates with master’s or doctorates in psychology or another relevant field, as they can provide a more comprehensive examination of mental conditions and treatments. Master’s courses with an emphasis on ABA techniques focus on research-based analysis. Students learn behavior analysis strategies alongside clinical techniques for helping people with autism. Master’s degree applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject area such as social studies or psychology. Some courses also require candidates to achieve an undergraduate grade-point average of 2.75 to 3.00 before being accepted.

    Personal Requirements

    • An ABA therapist should show patience and compassion when dealing with his clients. This is particularly important when working with autistic children, as they are likely to be more vulnerable that adults. ABA therapists should also have excellent communication skills, as they must constructively interact with their patients and keep written reports on their progress. An ABA therapist should also be skilled in impartially assessing each client’s needs and drawing up effective treatment programs. A commitment to further education and advanced training is an important attribute of an ABA therapist, according to Education Portal.

    Certification

    • Certification is not a requirement for ABA therapists, but employers might favor candidates certified for certain roles. Certification is available through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The Assistant Behavior Analyst examination is available to applicants with bachelor’s degrees in relevant fields, such as sociology or psychology. Candidates must meet minimum requirements in terms of work experience, course work and subject content. The board also offers the Behavior Analyst exam to master’s and doctoral degree holders, which prepares them for more senior research roles in the field of ABA. Candidates for the latter certificate must meet minimum experience and course work requirements.

Autism - Related Articles