BY VALERIA ESCOBAR CONTRIBUTIONS BY AUBREY VOGEL
Digging deeper
Another thing
Moving forward
Out-of-pocket costs tied to private insurance remain a barrier, with some families covering up to 44% of ABA therapy costs, according to a 2019 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. As demand for autism support rises across diverse populations, nonprofits such as Hope For Three offer financial aid and free programs. Behavioral Innovations also connects families to other resources, Joys said.
Registered behavioral technicians, or RBTs, provide individualized attention in one-on-one or two-on-one settings with clients, making it hard to meet the demand without compromising quality, Juma said. Requirements to become an RBT include a high school diploma or equivalent, 40 hours of training, a background check and receiv- ing ongoing supervision from a board-certi- fied behavioral analyst. With a 65% retention rate of registered behavior technicians—among the lowest for entry-level health care roles—staffing shortages are limiting service availability, according to a 2022 Behavioral Health Center of Excellence report. Ashly Joys, senior marketing director for Behavioral Innovations, said these struggles are reflective of “broader industry limitations,” where diagnoses are outpacing available clinicians.
To combat the staffing shortage, the University of Houston will host all six courses for the ABA minor this fall as well as a master’s degree in special populations with an ABA specialization, said Charlotte L. Carp, University of Houston clinical assistant professor in special populations. These programs provide the coursework needed for a behavioral analyst certification. Carp said, through increased exposure through the field and the evidence- based practices that sustain the industry, professionals would be more encouraged to see a long-term career in ABA. “I think if [professionals] understand why they’re implementing these strategies on the theory side ... they’re more likely to stay in the field,” she said.
Income level of families without ABA access in 2023 National income level ≤$49,999 13.4%
$50,000-$74,999 $75,000-$99,999 $100,000-$149,999 ≥$150,000
12%
Have never received ABA
48.6%
9.9%
16.2%
SOURCE: CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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