Why I'm Not a BCBA

Why I Chose Not to Become a BCBA (Even After Completing the Coursework Twice)

You might wonder why, after completing the coursework for a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certification twice at 2 different colleges and accumulating enough supervised therapy hours, I’ve never pursued becoming a BCBA.

At the heart of the matter is a simple truth: while I believe that behaviorism or ABA therapy has many helpful tools, it’s rarely the strategy I would choose to address a problem first—and it’s almost never the only approach I’d use. This belief has influenced my career decisions and the way I support individuals with autism.

What Is a BCBA and What Is Behavioral Therapy?

A BCBA is a certified professional who uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help individuals— those with autism and others —acquire skills or reduce challenging behaviors.

ABA is rooted in the principles of behaviorism, which focuses on how behavior is learned and can be modified through rewards, consequences, and other methods.

For many years, ABA has been one of the most commonly recommended therapies for children with autism.

ABA and other behavioral therapies often focus on breaking down tasks into small, teachable components, using reinforcement (such as praise or rewards) to encourage desired behaviors.

While this approach has helped many children, it’s not the only way to support someone with autism and even when it is used, is rarely enough by itself.

Behaviorism Isn’t the Only Approach

There are many diverse strategies to help individuals with autism acquire necessary skills or cope with life’s challenges. Relationship-based therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), sensory integration therapy, and other approaches are also highly effective, depending on the needs of the individual.

These therapies often focus more on understanding emotions, building connections, and addressing sensory processing issues—all of which are crucial aspects of life for individuals with autism.

I don’t understand why insurance companies often only cover treatments that fall under the supervision of a BCBA. Well, actually, I do understand insurance companies prefer therapies that have been thoroughly tested and have been used for long enough that we fully understand their impact. ABA fits into that category, as it’s been studied extensively.

However, my hope is that, as newer therapies become more widely accepted and practiced, we will put the same amount of time and energy into studying these approaches. When that happens, I hope insurance companies will begin covering a more diverse range of therapies, giving families more options.

Is ABA Bad?

Many people in the autism community oppose using ABA altogether. Critics argue that, at its worst, ABA can be overly focused on compliance, and disregard the emotional needs of clients, sometimes at the expense of the individual’s emotional well-being.

Stories from the past, where aversive techniques were used, have understandably left a bad taste in many people’s mouths. Many newer ABA techniques are more play based and follow the interests of the child more than traditional models, however, they are always fixed on changing behavior rather than helping children understand and negotiate their emotions.

But even with improvements in more modern ABA techniques, it’s essential to recognize that ABA is not the only answer, and it can sometimes keep the focus on compliance rather than encouraging independent problem-solving or fostering self-advocacy.

While compliance may be necessary in some cases, helping individuals develop the skills to advocate for themselves and make decisions that align with their needs is just as important.

This is why ABA is not always the best or only solution—it often emphasizes following directions over building autonomy or emotional understanding. However, it’s essential to remember that, at its core, ABA relies on behavior principles that we all use throughout the day, often without realizing it.

We All Use Behavioral Principles

It’s easy to forget that we naturally apply behavioral principles in our daily lives. Whether we give our spouse a hug because they made dinner or shoot them a dirty look for leaving a wet towel on the floor, we’re engaging in ABA principles.

By reinforcing positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones, we shape the behavior of those around us. Parenting, friendships, and even professional relationships are full of these small, behavioral exchanges. This demonstrates that while ABA may not be the only answer, behaviorism itself is a part of everyday life.

So while I do believe in the value of behaviorism, I also know it’s not the only framework out there, especially when it comes to supporting someone with autism. The real key is to have a diverse toolbox—one that includes not just behaviorism, but also emotional, relational, and sensory-based approaches.

The future of autism therapy will, hopefully, reflect this diversity and offer more options to meet the unique needs of every individual.