If you've heard a lot of titles and acronyms since you started looking for support, you're not alone. Here's a plain-language guide to what a BCBA does and how to tell whether one is the right fit for your child.
What does BCBA stand for?
BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. It's a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis, issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
To become a BCBA, a professional completes a master's degree or higher, specific coursework in behavior analysis, supervised fieldwork, and a certification exam. BCBAs keep their certification through continuing education, and they follow the BACB's ethics code.
What does a BCBA actually do?
A BCBA uses the science of behavior to answer two questions: why is this behavior happening, and what will help? In practice, that can include:
- Observing your child at home, at school, or in the community
- Collecting and reviewing data to find patterns
- Conducting assessments, such as a functional behavior assessment (FBA)
- Building strategies that teach new skills and reduce what's getting in the way
- Coaching parents and caregivers so strategies fit everyday routines
- Working with teachers and other providers so everyone is consistent
A good BCBA translates assessment findings into real-life support you understand and can use.
BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT: who does what?
You may hear several behavior-analysis titles. Here's how they usually differ:
| Role | Education | What they typically do |
|---|---|---|
| BCBA Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Master's degree or higher, plus supervised fieldwork and a certification exam | Assesses, designs plans, coaches families, consults with teams, and supervises others |
| BCaBA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst | Bachelor's degree plus coursework, fieldwork, and an exam | Supports assessment and programming under a BCBA's supervision |
| RBT Registered Behavior Technician | Training, a competency assessment, and an exam | Works directly with children to carry out plans, under close supervision |
At Thrive, you work directly with Delainie, the BCBA, for consultation, coaching, assessment, and skill-building.
Questions to ask when choosing a BCBA
- How will you include our family's goals and priorities?
- How do you decide what to work on first?
- How will you explain progress, and how often?
- How do you collaborate with my child's school and therapists?
- How do you respect my child's communication style and preferences?
Is a BCBA right for your family?
If you'd like help understanding your child's behavior, building new skills, or getting your child's team on the same page, a conversation is a good place to start.
This article is general information, not individual advice.