Behavior Technician
Experience Information
Employer: Total Spectrum
Job Title: Behavior Technician
Major: Psychology
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Total Spectrum is a specialized health care organization helping children with autism achieve their potential by providing one-on-one ABA therapy. Treatment is delivered via local Learning centers and in-home support. I receive direct support from the BCBAs at Total Spectrum. They have many locations across Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my time at Total Spectrum as a Behavior Technician, I have worked with 3 clients, providing them with one-on-one ABA therapy. I worked in the center with two clients and in-home with one client. These children have Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we work with them to help with their behaviors and work on their target goals to help them succeed. The Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) for each client communicate with the families and the Behavior Technician to create a behavior intervention plan and target goals that best fit the child. I meet with my supervisor weekly to give updates on the client and see what we can do to either improve or continue treatment. Each day, I work to make sure the client is improving and working towards learning new skills and becoming more independent.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I have gained many new skills throughout this experience. This includes building my patience as we take the time to work on the client's targets, thereby improving their learning. I also learned about ABA, how to provide my clients with the information given, how to individualize care, and how to work with each client. I felt my observation skills also improved by focusing on my clients' progress and how I need to improve how I provide treatment, creating a stronger bond with them. My clients were mostly non-verbal, so that was a huge improvement in my communication skills and how I work with each child in pairing with them and building that trust to work together in helping them improve their learning and succeed. I also learned more about how to problem solve and decision make when it came to certain situations. I had to learn how to think quickly and strategically enough to help the situation to the best of my ability, and it was a very important skill I needed improvement in.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this internship experience was getting the opportunity to learn and do something new in my career, gaining my knowledge in childcare, and exploring within the field. Pairing with my clients and being able to help them and make them feel happy and comfortable was very special, and it felt very rewarding knowing that I was a part of their learning journey in ABA.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience as a behavior technician has influenced my future career goals by exploring different areas of childcare and gaining knowledge in working with children with autism, which I will work with as an OT. This is a very important job that requires skills necessary for your future, especially when working with children. This experience is a part of my preparation for my career, where I will continue to grow and learn more.
Internship Format
In Person