Frequently Asked Questions
What is Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapy?
ABA is an evidence-based therapy which aims to improve socially significant behaviour. There is much research to show that ABA therapy is successful in helping individuals with developmental delays, autism and other similar disorders to learn new skills and reduce unwanted behaviours.
What does an ABA program look like?
Many of the families we work for are undertaking intensive programs through leading service providers. The programs are designed by an experienced program supervisor and are tailored to the individual needs of the child. The programs are multi-disciplined and focus on language, play, social, daily living and motor skills. The programs are intense, with research showing that to achieve best outcomes, a child should complete a minimum of 20 hours per week.
What is the role of an ABA therapist?
A team of ABA therapists undertake much of the program work in the family home, under the supervision of senior therapists. Therapists follow the detailed program and collect data that is used to review the child’s progress. Sessions are usually 2-3 hours in length with lots of breaks for fun and play. The therapist uses social play and positive reinforcement to engage and motivate the child and make the sessions fun and rewarding.
What is the work schedule?
Families usually liaise with their team of therapists to organise a regular weekly schedule for their child. Each therapist normally takes a minimum of 2 shifts per week, but it can be more depending on the family’s requirements and the therapist’s availability. Many therapists are studying at university so there is scope for flexibility when it comes to exam times and holiday periods. It is likely that the regular weekly schedule will be reviewed with each new semester.
In addition to regular weekly sessions, there is also a monthly clinic meeting which all therapists are required to attend in order to discuss the child’s progress, analyse the data and discuss how the program is working. Therapists are paid to attend the clinic meeting.
It is possible to work with more than one family at a time.
What training is involved?
In order to work as an ABA therapist you will need to attend a training workshop. This training generally consists of some online theory work and a practical two-day workshop. SUPPORTive will guide successful applicants through the process of finding and applying for an appropriate training workshop.
Essential Criteria for ABA therapists:
- Ability to commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months
- Must love working with kids
- Must be fun, energetic and reliable
- Minimum 4 hours per week
- Willingness to complete training workshop
- Working With Children Check
- Police Check
Desirable Criteria for ABA therapists:
- Own transport
- First aid certificate