A Behavior Analyst is an expert in applied behavior analysis. The Applied Behavior Analysis Certification Board is an independent non-profit corporation that certifies those with Masters or Doctoral degrees as minimally qualified to provide independent behavior analytic services to consumers.  To be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst requires a masters degree, significant hours of supervision in the field, and passing the board certification exam.

BCBA- A Board Certified Behavior Analyst is a person who has met the standards of the Applied Behavior Analysis Certification Board, as an expert in the field of Behavior Analysis.

BCABA- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst is a person who has a bachelors degree and has met the standards set forth for Assistant Behavior Analysts. BCABAs require ongoing supervision from a full board certified behavior analyst.  

Many researchers, professors, and practitioners of behavior analysis are not board certified because the process is relatively new.  Because of this, it is possible to hire a professional qualified in behavior analysis who is not board certified.  

At Steps to Success all of our consultants are Board Certified Behavior Analysts.  

Behavior consultation is not meant to be a long lasting therapy. A consultant’s role is to advice the parents on the issue of concern, ensure that there is follow through on recommendations and that expectations for the child remain consistent.  There are cases that require months or years of parent consultation due to the nature of the case with ongoing behavioral concerns, yet the goal is always the same to make recommendations and ensure follow through on recommendations.

Consultants also help set up discrete trial training programs to help teach children skills in a one to one setting. Discrete trial training is an effective way to teach all populations of children and is one of the most widely recognized effective techniques for teaching children diagnosed with Autistic Disorders, PDD, and Asperger’s disorders.