Join Dr. Megan and Special Guest, Nicole Parks, as they discuss the topics keeping them at a night in the field of behavior analysis.

Meeting Purpose

To discuss current issues keeping behavior analysts "up at night" and explore potential solutions in the field of ABA.

Key Takeaways

• Licensure requirements for behavior analysts across states are inconsistent and often unclear, causing confusion and challenges for practitioners.
• RBT turnover remains a significant issue in ABA, with no clear solutions despite ongoing discussions and attempts to improve company culture.
• There's a growing divide between academic and practitioner expertise in the field, leading to debates about the definition of an "expert" in ABA.

State Licensure Challenges

• Inconsistent interpretation of licensure requirements across states
• Lack of clear guidance from regulatory boards on specific situations (e.g., providing supervision across state lines)
• Need for a comprehensive resource outlining state-by-state licensure requirements
• Challenges with reciprocal licensing and the cost/time involved in obtaining multiple state licenses

RBT Turnover and Retention

• Ongoing issue with high turnover rates among Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
• Difficulty balancing professional expectations with entry-level position realities
• Challenges in creating a sustainable business model while providing adequate support and growth opportunities for RBTs
• Need for better screening tools to identify candidates well-suited for the unique demands of RBT positions

Defining Expertise in ABA

• Growing divide between academic and practitioner perspectives on expertise
• Recent publications emphasizing journal articles and academic credentials as primary indicators of expertise
• Practitioners feeling undervalued despite extensive real-world experience
• Need for a more inclusive definition of expertise that recognizes both academic and practical contributions to the field