KeyPress Publishing, a division of ABA Technologies, Inc., has announced the publication of 'Now What? A Behavior Analyst's First-Year Survival Guide.' The book by author Mariah Avery, MA, BCBA, is designed to answer questions that early-career behavior analysts and those in training might not yet know how to ask.
The guide draws upon real-world experiences with human-centered, light-hearted anecdotes. It is positioned as essential reading for clinical behavior analysts in their first year and serves as a resource for both aspiring and seasoned professionals. The book contains skill-building exercises, activities for unwinding, reusable tools, and opportunities for readers to reflect on their first-year experiences as they occur.
Avery's motivation for writing the book stems from personal experience. Her passion for behavior analysis began when her son was prescribed ABA therapy and she could not find available services within a three-state radius of their home. She completed her MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2017 and has worked in home care, clinics, and schools in Florida and Georgia.
The publication addresses significant challenges in the field, including burnout and imposter syndrome, which can occur during certification and training. It also provides information on practical issues such as insurance concerns. Avery based the content on her own life experiences, aiming to show readers they are not alone in facing these obstacles. The book is described as a go-to guide for individuals on their behavior science learning journeys.
'Now What? A Behavior Analyst's First-Year Survival Guide' is available for purchase. The 172-page book carries an ISBN of 979-8-9886548-3-4 and is priced at $24.95. It is published by KeyPress Publishing and distributed by ABA Technologies, Inc. Readers can find the book at https://www.abatechnologies.com/now-what.
This release is significant as it directly tackles the high attrition rates and professional challenges within applied behavior analysis, a field critical for providing therapy to individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. By offering practical support and validation, the guide could help retain new professionals, ensuring better continuity of care for clients and addressing workforce shortages in behavioral health services.
