Transitioning to a new ABA therapy therapist can be a daunting experience for many families, especially those with close relationships with their current therapist. ABA therapy therapists are often referred to as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). A transition can be particularly challenging for parents with a child undergoing ABA therapy. As a parent, it can be hard to understand that your child will transition to a new RBT after they connect with a specific RBT. However, it’s important to remember that change is an opportunity to grow.
Switching RBTs is Normal
RBTs typically have entry-level positions in the applied behavior analysis (ABA) field. RBTs may leave their positions to pursue further education or career advancement opportunities. Additionally, turnover or changes in RBT staff may occur due to personal or family reasons. RBTs may need to relocate, take time off for personal reasons, or may have changes in their availability that prevent them from continuing their role as an RBT. However, it is also essential to recognize that turnover is a normal part of any ABA therapy organization. Circle City ABA is proactive in taking steps to mitigate the impact switching RBTs has on our clients. We ensure proper training and support for new RBTs and maintain open communication with our families during transitions.
As a parent, one of the first things you can do is help normalize the transition process with your child. Explain to your child that it is common for people to transition to new therapists and that it is a natural part of the therapy process. You can also share your experiences transitioning to new healthcare providers, such as doctors or dentists, to help your child understand that it is expected.
Change Can Be Positive
The transition to a new RBT is an opportunity for growth and development for your child in their ABA therapy journey. A new therapist may offer different perspectives that could be beneficial to your child’s progress. We work on teaching skills at the center with the goal of transferring these skills to real-life settings and with a variety of people. Our goal is to teach your child to be successful at home, school, and the community.
Concerns
It is common for parents and children to have concerns or fears about transitioning to a new RBT. Circle City ABA believes in providing full-family education and support from day one; this includes assistance during the transition process. We’ll take the time to address your concerns and reassure you that we will work with them to create a safe and supportive environment. As a parent, you can help your son or daughter prepare for their first session with their new therapist by discussing what to expect and providing them with any necessary information.
We Encourage Open Communication
Circle City ABA encourages open communication with the families we serve throughout the transition process. Feeling nervous or uncertain about the transition is okay, but know that Circle City ABA is here to support you and your child. We encourage you to share your feelings and concerns with the Center Operations Director so we can work together to create a positive and productive therapeutic relationship.
In conclusion, transitioning to a new therapist can be an opportunity for growth and development. However, as a parent, it is essential to normalize the transition process, focus on the positive aspects, and encourage open communication with your child. By doing so, you can help your child feel more comfortable with the change and support them in their journey toward healing and growth.
FAQs About Switching ABA Therapy Therapist
What should I do if my child has difficulty adjusting to a new behavior technician?
Adjusting to a new behavior technician can be difficult for your child, but there are ways you can support them and make the transition easier:
- Be patient – It’s normal for your child to take some time settling in with a new RBT, so being patient can help the process go more smoothly.
- Be communicative with your child – Giving your child space to communicate with you about how the transition is going can help you understand exactly how they’re feeling. This will also give you more information on how you can help.
- Be positive – As we mentioned above, change can be a positive thing, so it’s helpful to convey that concept to your child, too.
- Trust your RBT – Our Registered Behavior Technicians are prepared for an adjustment period, and we’ll work with your child to ensure that they reach a comfortable level. With time, your child will learn to have fun with the new technician.
How does Circle City ABA support families during transitions?
At Circle City ABA, we strive to ensure that every family feels heard and supported. We encourage you to be open and honest with us about your child’s transition. This can help us adjust our care so that your child is more comfortable.
What are the benefits of transitioning to a new therapist?
There are various benefits for your child when it comes to transitioning to a new therapist. While it’s a significant accomplishment for your child to learn new skills with their usual RBT, it’s also important to ensure that your child can apply these new skills to different people. Changing to a new ABA therapy therapist can help your child build up the skills they’ve already been developing.
Interacting with a new RBT also prepares your child for interacting with new people in a variety of settings, such as at school with new teachers and friends. A new RBT can help your child be more comfortable with someone else and learn how to create new relationships.
What should I expect in the first few sessions with a new RBT therapist?
During the initial sessions, the new ABA therapy therapist will begin the process of building trust and establishing a relationship with your child. This will also include time for implementing instructional control. The RBT will do these things by joining your child in some of their favorite activities. This will help your child see the RBT as someone who is fun to play with, while the RBT can also take time to understand what works and doesn’t work for your child.
While playing with your child, the RBT will also focus on understanding your child’s behavior. This will help them with creating activities through ABA therapy that are beneficial and will specifically work for your child.
How can I help my child understand and accept the transition?
As mentioned above, we recommend normalizing the transition to a new ABA therapy therapist to help your child with it. Give real-life examples to your child, such as if they ever switched doctors or teachers, and demonstrate that switching to a new RBT is the same thing. We also encourage parents to convey that changing RBTs is exciting. Your child can make a new friend while still playing the fun games they did before.
About Circle City ABA
Circle City ABA understands that caring for children with autism also means caring about their families, so we’re here for you! Families are actively involved in the process. That means we’re here to walk you through our actions and why. We share in your child’s wins and are always available to answer questions, discuss concerns, or workshop solutions to problems together.
