Prospective OT with behavioral (ABA) background

[ABA OT]

Hello,

I recently decided to pursue a Masters in OT. I am from California. I just finished my masters degree is Applied Behavior Analysis (Branch of Psychology). I work with the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) population (primarly children and adolencents) in which I teach socially appropriate beahviors to replace problem beahviors (head hitting, screaming, etc). I love the kids, I love the job as a therapist working 1:1 with them, but my recent promotion as a Behavior Analyst really showed me how the nature of the job will be for me forever if a choose to stay in this field. It consists of managment of a team of therapists for each client which takes me away from the actual 1:1 interaction. All I see are reports now!

My question is: for those who are familiar with behavior analysts (AKA behavior specialists, ABA) can I utilize my ABA masters degree in the field of OT not only with children but with other populations (elderly...)?

I originally became interested in this field after working with a OT at a school in which my client was assigned to. She was working predominatly with sensory issues (hand flapping, pressure seeking) my client was having.

Also, I will be starting my observations as a volunteer. Do you have any suggestions on where to observe; to see not only children with disabilities but other children?

Thank you for your advisement!

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[joyus195]

Hi ABA OT,

I also worked as an ABA therapist with autistic children in California. I would suggest you look into volunteering at a local hospital which will give you a well-rounded experience not only observing OTs work with children but also other departments such as hand therapy, outpatient rehab, acute rehab, etc. I was really interested in pursuing a career working with children but now am much more open to other areas too after observing.
I think you having a Masters in ABA is definitely a bonus for you as I believe having a background in the theory behind the practice is very important. Through my experience observing and working with various populations ABA has been beneficial to me because I now have the knowledge of first clearly understanding a diagnosis and related factors before developing a plan for the patient.

 

[ABA OT]

Thanks for replying joyus195. Are you currently an OT student or practicing OT? I am planning to apply to CA OT schools next year and I want to be prepared before I apply. I have taken my GREs, but have not done any volunteering/observation as well as some pre-req classes.

 

[joyus195]

I will be starting the program for a Masters in OT either in June or September depending on the school I decide to go to . I am very excited to be starting soon!

I would say to just volunteer/observe/work at as many different places as you can so you can get a good idea of what the OT field entails. I have even called some facilities to see if I could observe for just a few hours which they were fine with. I think having volunteer/observation experience will really help you when applying for schools.

 

[ABA OT]

Congrats on getting into OT school. Which schools are you considering? I am assuming you live in CA since you stated you were an ABA therapist with children in CA.

I am actually in the process of setting up a schedule to volunteer and observe the OT at the school district that I work for. I will probably volunteer at a hospital/clinic as well. I really want to get my feet wet and experience all the different aspects of OT before I apply to all the schools.

 

[joyus195]

Hi ABA OT,

I have been accepted to Columbia and USC so far. I am still waiting for reply from NYU.

Yes, definitely check out other aspects of OT! Good luck and let me know if you need any help!

 

[superCOTA]

Joyus ...
I see you being able to work ABA into a pediatric OT job.
I recall being on homecare cases where the ABA met w/ the rest of the team so the client was being treated the same from everyone... which worked well. In another situtation, the ABA wanted us to meet weekly outside our treat time, off site, which honestly wasn't going to happen.

For better places that value ABA (and some do.. to a fault LOL) you would be valued and possibly even compensated well. The adult MR pop gets OT so when you show up at the group home w/ your ABA-ness they will love you. Market yourself appropriately.

As for geriatrics.... what do you have planned for them that involves ABA?