In my experience as an RBT and analyst trainee working with children, I’ve found it important to be really prepared for your work. Not only for your own sanity and comfort, but to be able to be the best in your job! These tools are things I’ve found essential to collecting data effectively and efficiently, but also to keep ourselves in tip top condition at work. This may also be helpful to those who work in other clinical areas of ABA, though not with children. As a future behavior analyst, you will likely find yourself using the same tools and necessities in whatever branch of the field you’re going into as well!
Here are my 8 top tools to keep your work on lock ...
1. The Data Sheet Clipboard Case
While any clipboard is great for keeping the sheets you record on neat and in place during high-energy sessions, it’s the best to have one that has some sort of storage. That way, you can place any smaller items you need to carry along with you throughout the day on hand. Sanitary wipes, chapstick, pens, program cards, office security cards, a calculator etc, could be put in these for safe keeping and availability! It’s been a lifesaver when I’ve been moving from room to room with a client, or from client to client! Storage Clipboards like this one are nice, simple and durable!
2. The Tally Counter
Whether you’re old-school and mark tallies on a sheet, or up with the game and marking them down on an app, a tally counter is going to become your best friend in recording frequency of behavior on the go. I really love the simplicity and unobtrusive nature of these, as you can clip them to yourself, your clipboard or wear over your neck for immediate, inconspicuous data recording. They’re very affordable and compact like this one.
3. Sanitizer hand wipes.
While having the gel form may be great for most practitioners in the clinical/medical fields, these can be purchased in small single or handful of packages that can slip easily into that storage keyboard! A lot of times, you will be working with clients who have been sick, wipe their runny nose on you or cause a mess. These are nice to have on hand even if you are working in a facility that has some products within reach. Keeping yourself clean and healthy is key in this field.
4. Hard Candy/Throat Lozenges
No matter your preference, it’s helpful to have something on hand when working as sometimes your throat will get sore in this job from talking/playing. Another good reason is when you are using edibles in a session, it keeps you from temptation of using a client’s treats for a quick taste, right? :P It’s important to keep our throats hydrated and calm so we can provide the best support for our clients.
5. Timer
You’ll find that alot of your work is about measuring and data collection. With that said, a timer will be helpful dependent on the programs you are working on. I love using my own smartwatch, as it’s portable, on hand at all times, and I don’t have to worry about dropping it during sessions. You can use a fitbit, iWatch or some form of stopwatch, which are much more affordable. This is the best route, as you really do not want to have your phones on hand to time everything, which can be a lot to lug around and highly distracting for both you and client. What’s great about digital timers, like this one, is that some clients with transitional issues work best when they are able to see that time is up on things.
6. Google Drive/Dropbox
Girl (or boy), if you didn’t know, Google Drive and Dropbox are a great option to collect and protect data, supervision materials, project ideas, and collect more data! You will find you will be using Excel sheets, presentation tools, and filing to keep track of all the materials you go through in your day to day. And what is great about Google Drive. Dropbox makes it easy to keep documents safe and share with supervisors and supervisees too!
7. Zoom / Google Hangouts
When doing remote meetings, supervision or training - you’re going to need something that is secure, quick, and generalized in availability across other devices. What I love about these two options is that your colleagues can download the app and use on the go from their smartphone or iPad if they can’t make it to their desk. They are also safe and HIPAA compliant options to keep our client data and information safe.
8. Bluetooth earphones
When you’re working on your reports, taking client calls on the go - having bluetooth earphones is more efficient and safe option. I love that I can have these on hand when I get to the books to put on some downtempo lofi, but it’s also great to keep yourself off your device while driving or moving around the office.
We would love to hear from our RBTS, technicians and other ABA practitioners - what are YOUR favorite tools to use in your work?
