Being a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a career filled with challenges, rewards, and the profound satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of children with autism. Today, I want to take you through a typical day where I work with two amazing clients, each in a different setting, and together, we navigate the intricacies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with patience, creativity, and unwavering dedication.
**Morning Session at the Clinic:**
8:00 AM: The day kicks off bright and early as I arrive at the clinic where I’ll be working with my first client, Alex. The clinic setting offers a structured environment ideal for teaching essential skills and implementing behavior intervention plans tailored to each child’s needs.
8:15 AM: I start by reviewing Alex’s behavior intervention plan, ensuring I’m up to speed on his goals, progress, and any adjustments made by our Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I spend my time creatively setting up his room each day before he arrives, with enrichments he enjoys most. Starting each session with your best foot forward, leads you toward success.
8:30 AM: Session begins with a series of structured activities designed to target specific skills outlined in Alex’s plan. We might work on improving communication through his AAC device TouchChat, practicing social skills during morning group, or mastering daily living skills like hanging up his backpack and putting away his lunch. While working through his target behaviors, positive reinforcement is given throughout to keep his motivation high.
10:00 AM: As the session progresses, I observe Alex’s responses, adjusting my approach as needed to maintain engagement and maximize learning opportunities. It is important to remember you are there to support them. It is ok to adjust when need be. We visit the gym to get some vestibular and proprioceptive input that was recommended by his OT and continue working on functional communication as he asks me to help push him on the swing and help him reach the tippy top on the climbing wall before he jumps to the crashpad!
**Transition to In-Home Session:**
11:00 AM: After completing my session note, bidding farewell to Alex and the clinic team, I head to my next destination: a home visit with my second client, Emily. Transitioning between settings requires flexibility and adaptability, but I’m ready to bring the same level of dedication to Emily’s session as I did with Alex. I will be following the same protocols and procedures as I do within the clinic. Whether I am in-home or in-clinic, I am sure to always represent STEPS the best way I can.
**In-Home Session with Emily:**
11:30 AM: Arriving at Emily’s home, I greet her family warmly and exchange updates on her progress and any recent developments. Establishing a strong rapport with both the child and their family is vital for effective therapy. In order to establish that rapport, communication is number one while at home with the family, creating a space for you and the family to both speak and listen equally about the child’s treatment.
12:00 PM: Session begins with a mix of structured activities and play-based interventions tailored to Emily’s unique needs and interests. We might work on sensory integration through activities like finger painting or engage in imaginative play to foster creativity and social skills. Our most favorite activity is rolling the Playdoh into balls and making a snowman. Combining creativity with the practice of fine motor skills makes for a very successful activity.
2:00 PM: Throughout the session, I collaborate closely with Emily’s family, providing guidance on implementing strategies and techniques to support her progress outside of our sessions. Parent training is incredibly important to email’s treatment plan. Emily’s BCBA joins us for supervision virtually where she logs in and provides me with support and guidance on how I can better work with Emily. These supervised sessions allow me to find proper guidance and the ability for my BCBA to answer questions/concerns I may have. She also interacts with Emily and asks her questions about her day, allowing me to see how to implement a new goal added to her program.
**Reflections and Beyond:**
3:30 PM: As the day draws to a close, I take a moment to reflect on the progress made by both Alex and Emily. Though each session presented its own set of challenges, the smiles, breakthroughs, and moments of connection remind me why I chose this rewarding career path.
4:00 PM: With gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these incredible children, I wrap up the day, knowing that tomorrow will bring new challenges and new triumphs in the journey of supporting individuals with autism and their families.