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lundi 28 mars 2016

What One Should Know Concerning Pediatric Behavioral Specialist

By Jose Sanders


Behavioral specialists refer to trained mental health professionals whose specialty is in working with individuals who have behavioral disorders. A pediatric behavioral specialist mostly works with children who have various disorders including pervasive developmental disorders, severe behavior problems, and autism spectrum disorders. Although these professionals work with children most of the time, in Dallas, TX, they also work with grownups that have developmental disabilities or mental retardation.

To offer services properly to members of the public, specialists of behavior need specialized education and training. They spend several years studying and training. A master degree in behavior analysis and learning is needed in most states. A master degree in related areas of study such as psychology, social work, and marriage and family therapy may also be accepted. The university one graduates from must be well known and certified for the degree to be recognized.

Work experience in working populations that have special needs is usually a requirement by some employers. Others, however, need experience and relevant bachelor degree. Working with special populations equips workers with the skills they need to respond to their needs appropriately. In comparison to general psychologists, behaviorists have lower and less stringent academic requirements.

Before one can start practicing as a behaviorist, they need to go through the whole training. Training varies depending on the specific setting in question. However, training generally includes training on ethics, crisis intervention techniques and strategies, and appropriate intervention techniques for the populations one will be working with. Some training institutions and employers liaise with outside specialists to provide behaviorists with in-service training and on-site, hands-on training in certain topics.

One cannot start to practice the instant they attain academic requirements. Completing that level only opens the door to the next level, which is licensure and certification. Certification and licensure specify the area of specialty some should work in. For instance, one may specialize in children with autism. Certification requirements also vary from one state to another. As such, one must be sure of the requirements that apply in their jurisdiction.

In most states, to be certified or licensed, an applicant must submit proof of education, experience, and training. One may provide the proof in form of forms filled out by their employer and college transcripts. Most states have also made clinical experience and criminal background check mandatory for licensure.

The work of a behaviorist involves a lot of responsibilities. Most work is done in a clinical setting. Part of the work requires them to observe, analyze, and offer support to kids and grownups that have behavior or emotional problems. They also administer services and programs to people who are emotionally troubled with the intention of correcting the problem. Some may work as researchers or lecturers.

Working as a behavior specialist requires one to have certain skills such as patience, analytical mind, problem solving ability, creativity, and decision making capability. The salary one earns may depend on their level of experience and place of work. According to some findings, median salary earned by behaviorists as of 2015 was 39, 483 dollars.




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