Frequently Asked Questions

Behavior analysis is the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior. Two primary areas of study include:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):

A systematic approach for influencing socially important behavior through the identification of reliably related environmental variables and the production of behavior change techniques that make use of those findings. Practitioners of behavior analysis provide services consistent with the dimensions of ABA. Common services may include, but are not limited to, conducting behavioral assessments, analyzing data, writing and revising behavior-analytic treatment plans, training others to implement components of treatment plans, and overseeing the implementation of treatment plans. Behavior analysts provide services to clients with a variety of needs, including, but not limited to, organizational functioning (e.g., staff performance, management, and pay structure interventions), skill deficits (e.g., communication, adaptive behavior), and problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injurious behavior)

Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®):

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases. The BCBA seeks the consultation of more experienced practitioners when necessary. The BCBA teaches others to carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs and delivers instruction in behavior analysis. BCBAs supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and others who implement behavior analytic interventions.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®):

The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®) is a paraprofessional who practices under the close, ongoing supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA. The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services. The RBT does not design intervention or assessment plans. It is the responsibility of the RBT supervisor to determine which tasks an RBT may perform as a function of his or her training, experience, and competence. The BACB certificant supervising the RBT is responsible for the work performed by the RBT on the cases they are overseeing.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client/guardian and a therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client/guardian. Our team at ABA S.T.E.P.S. Behavioral Health Specialists practices strict HIPAA compliance.