What is a Behavior Analyst?

A behavior analyst is a professional that has extensively studied the science of human behavior through specific coursework and supervised experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). To practice as a behavior analyst, one must complete specific coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis and supervised hours implementing behavioral procedures under a current behavior analyst. The individual must pass a certification exam and then maintain certification through continuing education and ongoing adherence to the ethical standards of the field.

A behavior analyst observes the surrounding environment to help individuals determine what is causing a problem behavior to occur and/or what may be preventing a desirable behavior from occurring. Situations in which the problem behavior is likely to occur are often observed by the behavior analyst. During these observations, data are collected on the target behavior, including what happens immediately before and following the behavior. The behavior analyst analyzes these data to make decisions on whether treatment is needed. If treatment is needed, the behavior analyst identifies strategies that would be most effective in decreasing a problem behavior and/or increasing a desirable behavior. The behavior analyst then works with the client to develop a plan that is acceptable to the client and teaches the client how to implement the plan through modeling, motivating, and coaching.

Behavior analysts work in any discipline that involves humans. A behavior analyst may work with an organization to: increase productivity, decrease on-site accidents, improve attendance, and improve morale. Behavior analysts may collaborate with doctors, speech pathologist, physical therapist, dentists, coaches, police officers, fire fighters, and many other professions to: improve treatment adherence, reduce/eliminate problem behaviors that may arise in providing medical care, improve performance, teach safety skills, etc. Behavior analysts may work with adults to: increase physical activity, improve eating habits, improve interviewing skills, improve social skills, address fears and anxieties, improve parenting skills, coaching skills, teaching skills, performance in a sport, improve communication within a relationship, etc. Behavior analysts may work with children to teach safety skills, social skills, self-help skills, coping skills, academic skills, improve studying behavior, improve sport performance, improve siblings’ relationships, etc.

When looking for a behavior analyst, one should first ensure the behavior analyst is board certified and in good standing. Next, one should ensure the behavior analyst has experience in the area in need of services. Lastly, one should expect that the behavior analyst, when possible, will conduct an analysis of the problem, in the setting, in which it occurs. For example, if services are needed at an organization, one should expect that the behavior analyst would observe the normal day to day operations at the organization. If services are needed in a home, one should expect that the behavior analyst will observe in the home. One should also expect a behavior analyst to provide training/coaching over the treatment plan in that same setting. Lastly, one should expect that a behavior analyst will engage in data collection on the target behavior before, during, and following services to ensure data-based decisions are being made and treatment is effective.

Taking the view of a behavior analyst

A behavior analyst does not view a problem behavior or the lack of engagement in a desirable behavior as the fault of the learner. Instead, a behavior analyst looks at the environment to identify what needs to be changed to make desirable behavior change happen. If a behavior analyst does not like the behavior they are seeing from a client, colleague, friend, significant other, parent, sibling, co-worker, etc., they would first look at their own behavior. They would ask themselves, “What am I doing that contributes to these behaviors that I don’t like?”, and “How can I change my behavior to make the world work better for me and everyone else?”