In 2023, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are medical professionals that are qualified to provide ABA therapy to children with Autism.  

Currently, there are just over 60,000 BCBAs in the United States. This has resulted in a shortage of qualified professionals who can provide Autism treatment. Only 33% of US children needing ABA therapy can access it. The demand for BCBAs is only expected to grow as more individuals are diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Nichole Daher, the founder of the Success On The Spectrum (SOS) franchise, has a goal of providing more access to care for kids with Autism. “There aren’t enough BCBAs and Behavior Technicians, and there aren’t enough clinics that provide ABA therapy. We are hoping that SOS can grow and be the solution to that problem.”

Recognizing the rising need for well-educated and experienced analysts, SOS has designed a series of initiatives to inspire and motivate individuals to join the vibrant scene of autism care. 

The franchise is renowned for its dedication to cultivating high-energy Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and their approach to employee development is truly extraordinary. “We provide a free 40-hour certification course to every technician, and we pay for our staff to maintain their CPR and QBS Safety Care certifications,” Daher reveals.

The environment at their clinics is one where hands-on training is a critical part of the learning process, allowing behavior technicians to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, which improves their knowledge and hone their skills further.

One of the standout aspects of SOS is its well-structured promotion system specifically designed for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). This system creates exciting opportunities for RBTs to climb the career ladder, progressing to roles like Trainers and Behavior Analysts.

As Daher highlights, by pouring resources into their employees’ growth, SOS is creating more Behavior Analysts from within. This investment in their staff ultimately circles back to positively impacting the children they serve.

In a noteworthy move, SOS has built strong partnerships with several universities as an extension of their commitment to help RBTs become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). 

This means that SOS is an approved practicum site for some universities, such as Purdue, providing students with invaluable on-the-ground experience and helping them fulfill certification requirements in a supportive, real-world setting. These university partnerships also allow all SOS employees access to tuition discounts.

SOS’s ground-breaking approach to nurturing employee growth, forging university partnerships, and unwavering devotion to excellence sets a high watermark for the industry. For them, it's not just about elevating the career paths of technicians but also about profoundly improving the lives of the children and families they aid.

The organization’s well-structured blend of academic knowledge and practical skills, as well as its innovative promotion system, has paved the way for advancements in RBT and BCBA practices. Without a doubt, with its visionary approach, SOS is actively steering the future of ABA therapy, becoming a role model for others in the sector to aspire to.

In Daher’s words, “Our vision goes beyond the here and now. We're not just following best practices. We want to create them and, in doing so, inspire a new wave of innovation and excellence in the field.”

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