PhD vs. BCBA | Autism PDD

Our BCBA was awesome and could spit out 20 programs in 2 secs. flat every week if we needed her too and totally focused on what was necessary for her to succeed! She was a genius at moving Sarah through the ABA programs and no hesitation on what to do next with her.....I have no idea what a PhD does in a autism program~bet they cost more:)

Try to get some phone #'s of the parents you worked for and make a list of references for these new parents so that they can call and be reassured that their kid is in good hands..sounds like they just dont know what you do exactly:) Good luck!

Ok.....I have a question for everyone. In terms of working with your child what do you feel the pros and cons are of each professional? The reason I ask is that I have been teaching kids with autism for several years and earned my BCBA as well as have my own son with autism and now I am heading up an autism program in the agency that I work with. The result of me taking over the program was that all the outside PhD's from other agencies are no longer there. Now, most parents are totally fine with the switch, but we have 2 parents that are not so much stuck on me taking over from someone but the fact that I am "just a BCBA" versus a PhD. The PhD's have even told the parents that I am more than able to handle this position and do it well.....however the parents are just stuck on the fact that I don't have a PhD. Just wondered how all of you feel.[QUOTE=ShelleyR]

EXCELLENT IDEA!!!!!!!! I have been teaching in our program for 7 years and that would be perfect for some of my previous parents to talk with the new ones! THANK YOU!!!!

And yes.....the PhD's cost much more and only have the behavioral background....not the curriculum and academic pieces.

Good luck! Board Certified Behavior AnalystThat sounds like a great idea. And it would not bother me in the least. I have learned that a higher degree does not necessarily mean a well qualified person. [QUOTE=Linda11567] That sounds like a great idea. And it would not
bother me in the least. I have learned that a higher degree does not
necessarily mean a well qualified person.[/QUOTE]

Ain't that the truth!!

They will come around, when they see what you are capable of. I'm sure of
it. Good Luck, and don't let them undermine your confidence...not that you
would...