What role does an RBT have in conducting preference assessments?

The role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in conducting preference assessments is primarily collaborative and requires supervision. While RBTs are trained to implement various intervention strategies, including preference assessments, it is critical for them to perform these assessments under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or someone authorized to oversee their practice. This supervision ensures that the data collected is accurate and that the assessments are carried out in a manner consistent with ethical standards and best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Supervision allows for immediate feedback and support, where the RBT can discuss their observations and any challenges they might face during the assessment process. Although RBTs are capable of performing many tasks independently, conducting assessments, especially those that inform treatment decisions, benefits significantly from oversight to ensure the integrity of the data and the overall effectiveness of the client’s interventions.