Behind the Letters: What Does a BCBA Really Do?

If you’ve started exploring ABA therapy for your child, you’ve probably heard the term BCBA tossed around quite a bit. But what do those four letters really mean? And why is this person so important in your child’s journey?

Let’s break it down.

What is a BCBA?

BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Think of them as the architect of your child’s ABA program. They’ve completed specialized graduate training, have hundreds (often thousands) of supervised hours, and have passed a rigorous national certification exam.

But beyond the credentials, a BCBA is someone who understands how learning and behavior work — and uses that knowledge to help your child grow.

What exactly does a BCBA do?

In everyday language, here’s what your BCBA is responsible for:

Assessment: They start by getting to know your child — what motivates them, what challenges they face, and what skills would make their daily life easier.
Individualized program design: Your BCBA creates a unique plan that outlines goals and strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
Training the team: They don’t do it alone! Your BCBA trains and supervises Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or therapists who work with your child day-to-day.
Parent coaching: A huge part of a BCBA’s role is teaching parents and caregivers strategies they can use at home and in the community.
Ongoing data review: They regularly track and analyze your child’s progress — adjusting strategies as needed to keep things moving forward.
Advocacy and collaboration: They often coordinate with teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and others, making sure your child’s support network is working together.

Why does this matter?

ABA isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach — and the BCBA is the person who keeps it that way.
They help ensure your child’s program is:

• Dynamic: Changing as your child grows and learns

• Effective: Based on data, not guesswork

• Meaningful: Focused on real-life skills that matter most to your family
  
  The human side of a BCBA

  Beyond programs and data, a great BCBA is someone who listens to your concerns, celebrates your child’s successes, and helps you feel hopeful on tough days.

  They’re your guide, coach, and partner in the journey — always looking for new ways to help your child connect, communicate, and thrive.
  In short:
  A BCBA isn’t just a title.
  It’s a person dedicated to unlocking your child’s potential — one step, one skill, and one small victory at a time.

  If you'd like to meet our BCBAs or learn more about what we do, we’d love to talk.
  Because every child deserves a plan — and a team — built just for them.