The ABIA has compiled a comprehensive information pack for Therapists. Please click here to download THERAPIST INFORMATION PACK. (This is a large file and may take a little while to download.)

WHAT DOES AN ABA THERAPIST DO?

The first task for a new Therapist is to try to build a rapport with the child they are working with. This may take several sessions as all children are different. The therapist needs to get to know their likes and dislikes, what makes them laugh and how to motivate the child to want to learn.

Knowing how to motivate a child with autism and provide the right kind of reinforcement to encourage learning is essential. A child with an autism spectrum disorder may not be interested or motivated by the same things that typically developing children are interested in. Some detective work is needed to find out what makes the child ‘tick’ or as one ABA Service Provider once said “Find out what floats their boat”.

From that point onward, the therapist will:

• provide regular one-on-one therapy sessions which include teaching new skills and managing challenging behaviours
• observe and record the child’s progress
• communicate with the Program Supervisor, parents and other members of the team
• participate in clinical/team meetings
• maintain and revise the student’s program folder.

After that period ends, therapists are expected to attend regular (usually fortnightly) Supervision meetings where they are expected to work with a child in front of the Supervisor and other therapists working on the program.

The Program Supervisor provides feedback to the therapists and parents on their performances, updates the program and discusses any concerns that either the parents or therapists may have.

WHAT TYPE OF SKILLS DOES A THERAPIST NEED?

The most important requirement for a potential therapist is a genuine interest in working with children with autism.

ABA therapy is more than just a part-time job and should not be considered as just a means of earning extra dollars. It is a commitment as well as a potential career move for those interested in working long-term with children in the disability field.

Patience, problem-solving abilities, creativity, discretion, the ability to think on your feet and lots of energy are general traits that exhibit an ABA therapist. A good sense of humour and a positive outlook helps too as does the ability to accept constructive criticism and to be able to work independently and as part of a team.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING DOES A THERAPIST NEED?

If you think you may be interested in therapy work, it is a good idea to attend ABIA’s one-day introductory workshop. This may help you decide whether or not the work would suit you.

If you would like to proceed, ABIA provides a 10-week intensive course, which you need to attend for 2 hours, one night each week.

To become an ABA Program Consultant/Supervisor, you need to have completed an undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline and/or a postgraduate degree in Psychology, Speech Pathology or Disability Studies, an internship with a recognised ABA Service Provider and a minimum of 2 years experience as an ABA Therapist.

Once you take up a position as a Therapist, you will find that most ABA programs incorporate ongoing training for the Therapist. This usually takes place while working with the child and is provided by either the Program Supervisor and/or a more experienced therapist.

HOW DO YOU BECOME EMPLOYED AS AN ABA THERAPIST?

There are many ways to find work as an ABA Therapist. One of the simplest is to register your interest on the ABIA Therapist List. Families who are ABIA members have access to this list when looking to employ new therapists. Alternatively, you can approach the Private ABA Service providers listed in the ABA Directory and let them know you are interested.

Usually, the demand for therapists exceeds the supply so there is plenty of work available.

WHAT CAN A THERAPIST EXPECT TO BE PAID?

Payment varies from family to family, provider to provider and will depend on a therapist’s experience and academic qualifications.

As a general rule however, a therapist’s pay usually ranges from $15.00 (inexperienced) to $25 (experienced) per hour.

ARE THERE OTHER BENEFITS?

Therapists have the opportunity to work with some wonderful and amazing children. With a therapist’s help, children are able to overcome the frustrations and behavioural outbursts that frequently occur in those who have not had the appropriate intervention.

Often, ABA Therapists are Psychology, Speech Pathology, OT and Teaching students who gain extra experience and expertise by working as a therapist. Some therapists go on to become full time therapists and ABA Supervisors, where they supervise and run ABA programs themselves.

The ‘hands on’ experience people with this background derive from working as Therapists is invaluable and many find that their therapy work leads to career opportunities in the Disability Sector.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE, SICK LEAVE AND WORK COVER?

It is important to find out the terms of employment before starting work. In most instances, families or private organisations hire therapists on a casual basis. Casual employees are not entitled to holiday or sick leave, but the family or organisation employing the therapist is responsible for providing work cover.

In some cases, therapists will be employed by families on a contractual basis which leaves the onus of taxes and work cover documents up to the therapist.
If that is the case, an ABN is required and can be applied for either at your local Tax Office or online at www.ato.gov.au.