By Allison Rawlins

I was certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014, but my road to achieving my certification as a BCBA began when I was an undergraduate student at the College of New Jersey pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. When I started college in 2005, as a TCNJ student, I was not yet interested in the field of Special Education. My passion for working with students with special needs, more specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was sparked in 2008, when I began substitute teaching at a special education school district, where I worked with preschool and elementary aged children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is where I first learned about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and I learned how ABA techniques are used to support and teach individuals with ASD and IDD diagnoses.

My experience as a substitute teacher in autism classrooms led me to pursue a career where I could provide support and empower individuals with special needs and autism. I began to seek positions as an ABA therapist where I could learn more about ABA therapy. I worked under BCBAs who inspired me to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst so that I could improve the lives of individuals with special needs and autism and help them to reach their full potential through the implementation of applied behavior analysis.

Holiday crafts at the Sidekicks Support Center.

In 2011, I started classes at Rider University in the Applied Psychology Masters program and began to work towards my goal of becoming a BCBA.  While I was completing my courses at Rider I continued to work as an ABA therapist to collect my field work hours while engaging in meaningful work in a supportive work environment. In 2014, after completing my fieldwork hours and passing the board exam, I completed my Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and ABA and earned my certificate as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

My road to becoming a BCBA was a little different than many of my colleagues. I began my education on the path towards elementary education, driven to help children learn and grow. In 2008 my path changed when I stepped into an autism classroom which led me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis and BCBA certification in 2014.  Over my career I have continued to learn and grow as an ABA provider, and BCBA, and sought out opportunities that were fulfilling and fostered career growth opportunities in supportive environments. If you have the drive to help and empower others and you seek opportunities in a fulfilling field, then maybe you should consider a career in Applied Behavior Analysis too.