Training Manual for Behavior Technicians Working with Individuals with Autism

The Challenge It Addresses

If you are training to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or supervising behavior technicians in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), you know the challenge: bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice with individuals on the autism spectrum. This manual delivers a structured, competency-based approach to mastering the core skills you need to pass the RBT certification exam and deliver effective, ethical care from day one.

About Training Manual for Behavior Technicians Working with Individuals with Autism

Training Manual for Behavior Technicians Working with Individuals with Autism, authored by Jonathan Tarbox and Courtney Tarbox and published by Academic Press in 2017, is a practical, evidence-based resource designed for frontline staff undergoing RBT training. It systematically covers the RBT Task List, including measurement, data collection, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, and professional conduct. Unlike generic ABA textbooks, this manual is tailored specifically to the daily responsibilities of behavior technicians, offering step-by-step guidance, case examples, and hands-on exercises.

Who Is This Book For?

This manual is ideal for:

• RBT trainees completing the required 40-hour training course and preparing for the certification exam
• BCBA and BCBA-D supervisors seeking a standardized training curriculum for their staff
• ABA therapy aides and paraprofessionals working directly with children and adults with autism
• College students in ABA or special education programs who want a practical supplement to their coursework
• Clinics, schools, and agencies that need a consistent training tool for new hires

Skills You Will Gain

This manual equips you with the essential competencies required for effective behavior technician practice:

• Measurement and Data Collection: Learn to define target behaviors in observable terms and use continuous and discontinuous measurement methods to track progress accurately.
• Assessment Procedures: Master preference assessments, functional behavior assessments (FBAs), and how to assist with skill-based assessments like VB-MAPP and AFLS.
• Skill Acquisition Strategies: Implement discrete trial training (DTT), natural environment teaching (NET), chaining, shaping, and prompting hierarchies to teach new skills.
• Behavior Reduction Techniques: Apply function-based interventions, differential reinforcement, extinction, and antecedent manipulation to decrease challenging behaviors.
• Professional Conduct and Ethics: Understand the RBT Ethics Code, maintain client dignity, and practice within your scope of competence.
• Documentation and Supervision: Learn how to write session notes, communicate effectively with supervisors, and participate in ongoing supervision meetings.

Why This Book Stands Out

While general ABA textbooks like Cooper, Heron, and Heward’s Applied Behavior Analysis are excellent for graduate-level study, they are not designed for the day-to-day work of a behavior technician. This manual fills that gap. Competitor resources often lack the practical, task-analyzed format that front-line staff need. For example, many online RBT training courses provide video lectures but no structured workbook for hands-on practice. This manual offers:

• Task-analyzed steps for every procedure, breaking complex skills into teachable units
• Real-world case examples that illustrate how to handle common challenges in homes, schools, and clinics
• Review questions and activities at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning and prepare for the exam
• A focus on the RBT Task List specifically, ensuring you cover exactly what the BACB requires

About the Author

Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D, is a leading researcher and clinician in ABA, serving as Director of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Southern California. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and books on autism treatment and behavioral intervention. Courtney Tarbox, MS, BCBA, brings extensive hands-on experience supervising RBTs and designing training programs in clinical settings. Together, they combine academic rigor with practical supervisory expertise. Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier, is a globally recognized publisher of high-quality scientific and professional resources, adding further trustworthiness to this manual.

Our Verdict

For anyone serious about becoming a competent, confident behavior technician, this manual is an indispensable investment. It directly addresses the gap between knowing ABA principles and applying them effectively in real sessions. The structured format saves supervisors countless hours of creating their own training materials, and for self-studying trainees, it provides a clear roadmap to certification success. Priced competitively at under $40 for a digital copy, it offers exceptional value compared to the cost of re-taking the RBT exam or dealing with poor clinical outcomes due to inadequate training.

Start Reading Training Manual for Behavior Technicians Working with Individuals with Autism Today

Whether you are a trainee aiming to pass the RBT exam on your first attempt or a clinic director standardizing staff training, this manual is your most practical, reliable resource. Don’t leave your competency to chance. Order the digital edition from Academic Press today and start building the skills that make a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism.