Why Your RBT Knows More Than You Think (And How to Use It)
We all know that RBTs are invaluable in the world of ABA. And I’m not just talking about good RBTs—I’m talking about the really good ones. The ones who are engaged, dedicated, and have an uncanny ability to connect with clients and families on a deeper level. But what if I told you there’s a way to leverage their skills even further, especially when it comes to managing relationships with families and making clinical changes? Spoiler alert: there is.
In many cases, RBTs have closer, more consistent contact with families than BCBAs do—we know this. Whether in a home or center-based setting, RBTs often serve as the main point of day-to-day interaction.
As BCBAs, we should absolutely have solid relationships with the families we serve, but there’s no denying that the RBTs are often in a unique position to provide insights we can’t always access. They’re there, every single day, building trust and rapport. So, what if we started running bigger clinical changes by them first?
Think about it: if you’re planning to implement a more labor-intensive program or massively change the direction of treatment, who better to run it by than the person who is in the trenches with the family?
RBTs may offer a more precise and accurate perspective than your own.
They know the kiddo, they know the routine, and often, they know how the parents are likely to react to changes. This makes them key stakeholders in the decision-making process—after all, they’re the ones who will be carrying out much of the plan.
And it’s not just about their technical expertise.
RBTs often understand the emotional dynamics at play. They can give you valuable feedback not only on how the client is progressing but also on how the family feels about the current treatment.
Are the parents really onboard with this new direction, or are they simply nodding along? Sometimes, families say “yes” to avoid conflict, but an RBT who has a close relationship with them might pick up on subtle signs of hesitation or discomfort that you wouldn’t otherwise see.
Finally—and most importantly: even if the family isn’t thrilled with the direction you’re proposing, the RBT can act as a bridge. They can help guide you on how to present the change in a way that’s more palatable, or they can be there during the conversation to help smooth things over. They understand the emotional temperature of the family better than anyone, and they can help you navigate tricky conversations that might otherwise feel like walking through a minefield.
So, tap into your RBT for help. But not simply for that technical, programming feedback. If you aren’t already utilizing your RBTs for their interpersonal and emotional insight, now’s the time to start. They’re more than just technicians—they’re your pulse on how families feel about each other and your programming. By bringing them into the fold, you’re not only making smarter clinical decisions but also fostering stronger relationships with the families you serve. In the end, this is an undeniably huge win.
Martin Myers is a BCBA with a passion for helping improve the field of ABA. He is the creator of BxMastery, with over 4,000 goal ideas, sequenced, to inspire your programming. With 10+ years of experience in the field, he’s dedicated to empowering others and fostering positive change through effective leadership and communication. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights and updates.