Program specialists for autistic behavior, also known as autism specialists or applied behavior analysts, provide behavioral interventions and supportive services to children and adults with autism. Autism is a challenging diagnosis for children, parents, loved ones and educators. Helping people with autism, and helping their loved ones cope and live with the diagnosis, are the main goals of an autism behavioral specialist.
Autism program specialists need to have at least a bachelor's degree in behavior analysis, psychology or a mental-health related field, such as social work or human services. Although it's not always required, certification can help increase your job prospects and provide you with additional credibility. It lets your clients, potential employers and the public know that you have met certain professional standards needed for certification. To become a certified assistant behavior analyst with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, you must have a bachelor's degree and meet minimum coursework and experience requirements. To become a certified behavior analyst, you must have a master's degree in behavior analysis or a related field, and meet similar coursework and experience requirements.
Most autism program specialists work for government-funded developmental disabilities programs, public and private schools or private developmental disabilities institutes, or organizations that specialize in autism treatment. They might work with children, adults or a combination of both. Some positions may require travel to clients' homes. The general work environment for an autism program specialist when not performing home visits is a typical school-based setting or similar educational institution. They usually work 40 hours per week, although the exact schedule may vary based on the position and needs of the hiring organization.
The main responsibility of an autism program specialist is to provide individualized care, behavioral intervention and attention to clients with autism, using the methods of applied behavior analysis. They perform assessments, create individual treatment plans and educational programs that are appropriate and tailored to the needs of the client, carry out treatment plans and evaluate client progress. Autism program specialists often work on an interdisciplinary team of other behavior specialists and mental health providers to provide comprehensive care. They usually perform additional tasks, such as completing progress notes, maintaining case files or consulting with external providers such as physicians or social services agencies.
Being an autism program specialist requires patience, dedication and compassion. Autism program specialists should have a desire to help people with disabilities. Since many autism program specialist positions involve working with children, you should enjoy interacting with children and preferably have some prior experience caring for or educating children with special needs. Additionally, because you will be interacting directly with your clients, you should be able to stand or sit for long periods of time and walk and move around without difficulty.
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