Behavioral ONE Spotlight – Jack Gordon

All About Jack

“Tell me about yourself.”

“My name is Jack Gordon. I’ve been doing ABA coming up on three years now. I enjoy what I do, and I love where I’m at. I like bugs, spending time outside, and being goofy–being weird.”

“List 5 words that describe your character.”

“Humorous”

Having a humorous character can be highly beneficial for a registered behavior technician (RBT) in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic. Humor has the power to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere, which can greatly contribute to building trusting relationships with both clients and colleagues. By lightening the mood, a humorous RBT can help alleviate any anxiety or tension clients may have during therapy sessions. Additionally, humor can make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable for clients, thereby increasing their motivation to actively participate in therapy activities. Moreover, incorporating humor in communication can help RBTs build rapport and establish strong connections with their clients, enhancing overall communication and collaboration between them. Ultimately, a humorous character can greatly enhance the RBT’s effectiveness and success in providing ABA therapy in a clinic setting.

“Well-intentioned”

RBTs are naturally well-intentioned individuals who genuinely care about making a positive impact in the lives of others. This is evident in their chosen career path, where they work alongside individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities, providing them with therapy and support. RBTs possess an inherent sense of compassion and empathy, fully committed to enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life of their clients. They consistently strive to understand the unique needs of each individual and tailor their strategies accordingly. With their unwavering dedication and genuine desire to help, RBTs create a nurturing and empowering environment that fosters growth and development for those they serve.

“Is there a nicer way of saying clumsy?… Perhaps, bumbling”

We can’t all be graceful, can we? Jack is like a big teddy bear. His bumbling demeanor–and the fact that he openly admits it–is just part of what makes him the amazing person he is.

“Thoughtful”

RBTs in an ABA clinic exhibit a truly thoughtful nature in their work. With a deep understanding of the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), these dedicated professionals approach each interaction with empathy and careful consideration. Every session is thoughtfully planned, maximizing the effectiveness of therapy and addressing individualized goals for each client. RBTs consistently show compassion, actively listening to and understanding the needs and preferences of their clients, ensuring a positive therapeutic environment. Their thoughtful nature shines through as they tailor treatment plans, consistently monitor progress, and adapt intervention strategies as necessary, always striving to promote progress and improve the lives of those they serve.

“Extroverted”

A registered behavior technician (RBT) with an extroverted spirit can have a significant and positive impact on an ABA session. Their extroverted nature allows them to engage effortlessly with the client, creating a warm and welcoming environment. They can use their energy and enthusiasm to establish a strong rapport with the client, which is crucial for effective therapy. This extroverted RBT can bring a sense of fun and excitement to the session, making it more enjoyable for the client and increasing their motivation to actively participate in therapy activities. Additionally, their outgoing personality enables them to easily adapt and personalize interventions to meet the client’s individual preferences and needs, fostering greater progress and success. Overall, an extroverted RBT can contribute to creating a positive and conducive learning environment, enhancing the client’s overall experience and outcomes in ABA therapy.

“What is your favorite hobby?”

“I really like just going on walks around neighborhoods, parks, or just like random areas looking for bugs or playing games while I do.”

B1 Talk

“What is your position at B1?”

“I am a Lead Registered Behavior Technician.”

A Lead Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) plays a crucial role in assisting other RBTs with general questions and training. They possess an extensive understanding of the principles and procedures used in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and lead by example. When RBTs encounter a challenging situation or have questions related to client-specific interventions or behavioral strategies, the Lead RBT serves as a valuable resource, providing guidance, feedback, and professional knowledge. Additionally, they are involved in providing comprehensive training sessions to newly hired RBTs, ensuring they have a strong foundation in the field and are equipped with the necessary skills to carry out effective ABA interventions. The Lead RBT’s expertise and dedication extensively contribute to the overall growth and development of the RBT team.

“Walk me through your typical day at B1.”

Jack arrives anytime between 7:30 and 7:45 in the morning. He starts his work day by setting up his table for the specific client he has for the upcoming session. He ensures that he has the proper reinforcers, checks the programming for any changes from the last session, and then ensure that he has the appropriate materials for a productive session. At 8:00 am, he walks out and greets the client and their caregivers and escorts the client into the clinic to get started for the day. Jack says, “I like to give the client a little bit of time in the beginning to chill, whether that’s in the playroom or on the iPad–let them regulate a little bit before we jump into work. Then it’s pretty much table, reinforcement, outside, playroom, table, reinforcement… rinse and repeat.”

A great deal of an ABA session is repetitive, which seems like it might be boring, but it appropriately allows the RBT to set up a routine for the client. Setting up a routine for the client during an ABA session is of utmost importance for several reasons. Firstly, routines provide structure and predictability, which are crucial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who often struggle with change and transitions. A well-established routine helps create a sense of security and comfort, allowing the client to feel more at ease and engaged in the session. Additionally, routines serve as a valuable tool for skill acquisition and generalization. By consistently following a set sequence of activities, the client can practice and reinforce learned skills in various contexts, promoting their transferability to real-life situations. Moreover, a routine helps both the therapist and the client to stay organized, enabling efficient monitoring of progress, identification of areas requiring intervention, and implementation of necessary modifications to optimize learning outcomes. Ultimately, a structured routine forms the foundation of an effective ABA session, enhancing the therapeutic experience, and maximizing the client’s potential for growth and development.

“What makes B1 a great place to work?”

“They encourage growth,” Jack says. He goes on to describe previous work environments which felt stagnant–as if there was no more room for growth or nothing he could improve upon. Jack goes on to elaborate, “Whereas here, I can always improve the quality of my therapy, how I interact with my coworkers, even pursue further education to advance in the field.”

The potential for growth in ABA therapy for a registered behavior technician (RBT) is immense. With the increasing awareness and understanding of autism and other developmental disorders, the demand for ABA therapy has skyrocketed. As an RBT, one can expect to have numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. With further education and training, an RBT can become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and take on more advanced roles in the field. Additionally, as the field of ABA therapy continues to evolve, new research and techniques are constantly emerging, providing RBTs with the chance to expand their knowledge and skills, further enhancing their potential for growth in this highly rewarding field.

“What do you believe is the most important thing for people to know about B1?”

“First and foremost, we’re not a daycare. We are practicing a science that has evolved over many years. It is rooted in scientific studies and a deep desire to understand.”

It is uncanny how many people will dismiss the significance of what an RBT does for their clients as simply watching children–like they are workers in a daycare setting. However, an ABA clinic differs significantly from a daycare facility in terms of focus, structure, and expertise. An ABA clinic primarily caters to individuals with developmental or behavioral disorders, utilizing evidence-based techniques to train and modify behavior. The clinic is staffed with professionals who specialize in ABA therapy, such as behavior analysts and therapists, who create individualized treatment plans based on specific needs. In contrast, a daycare typically offers general care and supervision for children of various ages, without specialized programming or therapeutic interventions. ABA clinics provide a more structured environment, implementing behavioral strategies to address target behaviors and facilitate skill development.

“Who at B1 inspires you to be better at your job?”

“Billy is definitely a big number one. He has encouraged me since starting to continuously think about how I can intentionally develop and grow as a person and an RBT. I would also like to say Nita Lockhart because she always gives her clients 100%. Whether she is having a rough time at home or experiencing a great time in her life, she’s always going to show up and be present and be a bright light for the kids.”

“What traits do you think are essential to becoming a great RBT?”

“Patience is a big one… and understanding. A lot of the clients who come through have varying levels of communication and styles of communication. You’re going to see children going through some very frustrating times, and it takes an understanding and a patience not only to help them find their words or a way of communicating, but to help them through their struggles when they’re trying to find it but it’s not there.”

Patience and understanding are essential traits that registered behavior technicians (RBTs) should possess due to the nature of their work with individuals with behavioral disorders or developmental disabilities. Developing and implementing behavior intervention plans requires RBTs to work closely with their clients, often in challenging situations. Patience allows RBTs to remain calm, composed, and resilient when faced with difficult behaviors or setbacks in the therapy process. By understanding the unique needs and perspectives of their clients, RBTs can empathize with their struggles and tailor their sessions accordingly. This understanding enables them to establish trust, build rapport, and effectively communicate with their clients, contributing to the overall success of the therapy sessions. Additionally, patience and understanding assist RBTs in promoting a positive and non-judgmental atmosphere, fostering a safe and supportive environment for their clients to grow and achieve their behavioral goals.

“What do you aspire to be? How do you think your position at B1 has prepared you for your future career?”

“If you had asked me growing up, I would have said an Entomologist, which is someone who studies bugs. Now, I don’t think it’s necessarily a job profession that I aspire to be, but rather just be someone who serves other people and ABA has been an amazing outlet to do so. Becoming an RBT at Behavioral ONE has helped me find my paddles, so to speak, I think. Right after graduation, I knew I wanted to help people and I knew I wanted to work with people, but I didn’t know in what context. It was when I found ABA, and I found this clinic that I found the direction that I want to head towards. It has helped me to realize that there’s a lot more you can do than just be around people. You can do for people.”

A career in ABA therapy is a fantastic choice for individuals who possess a genuine passion for helping others. As an ABA therapist, you have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism. Your knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis can be instrumental in improving their social and communication abilities, academic performance, and overall quality of life. By working closely with clients and their families, you get the opportunity to witness their growth and progress firsthand, creating a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience. ABA therapy allows you to contribute to society by making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, and for individuals genuinely dedicated to helping others, it provides an incredibly gratifying career path.

Just for fun

“What animal would you compare yourself to and why?”

“I would say a capybara because they’re chill. In nature, you’ll see the capybara around things that are considered to be predators, yet they always keep a level of calm as if they can click with anybody. Granted, they are still very much prey.” Jack chuckles. “In life, sometimes I feel like I’m more of the prey, not the predator.”

Just for a little more fun…

The highly social nature of the capybara would make it an excellent choice as a registered behavior technician. Known for their ability to form strong bonds and cooperate with other individuals, capybaras possess the necessary interpersonal skills to effectively work with clients and their families. Their innate ability to empathize and understand social dynamics could greatly contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive therapy environment. Furthermore, the capybara’s adaptability and calm demeanor would enable them to remain composed and patient, even in challenging situations. Their natural inclination to establish social hierarchies could assist in implementing behavior management strategies and reinforcing positive behavior. Overall, the highly social capybara would bring a unique and valuable set of qualities to the role of a registered behavior technician, making them an ideal candidate.

“If you were a superhero, what would your kryptonite be?”

“My own disorganization. I think it might actually lead to my downfall.”

Reflection

Jack Gordon’s wonderful qualities, including his fun-loving nature and extroverted personality, make him an invaluable asset to our ABA clinic. His ability to connect with others, create a positive and engaging environment, and build relationships has had a significant impact both on the children we work with and on the overall functioning of the clinic. It is truly a joy and privilege to have someone like Jack on our team, as his presence adds a much-needed spark of energy, fun, and enthusiasm to our daily endeavors.