Interview with Margreth Yap, BT

April 24, 2023

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• Tell us a bit about your job as an ABA THERAPIST.

My job as an ABA therapist has been really eye opening to me. I mostly work with kids in their early childhood and middle childhood in the spectrum. They have different concerns that we are working on/worked on, and it’s not always fun, but it’s very fulfilling at the end of it. Helping them adjust to societal norms is mostly what I have been working on, but also some activities of daily living, like tolerating brushing teeth.

 

• What drove you to the ABA Therapist profession?

It has been a journey! In college, I started at Occupational Therapy and in this program, you go to clinical visits; one of which we visited was a special education center and I fell in love with it. Unfortunately, at the time, I did not know about ABA, and I decided to transfer to Childhood Development and Education, and minored in Special Education. I thought it was the closest I can get. I found out about ABA here in America, and it has been the best thing ever. While teaching was really something I love to do, I find working as an ABA therapist more in line with what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

 

• How do you balance your career and family?

I make sure I have time on the weekends to spend time with my family, as well as during after work! Sometimes I work with them side-by-side like body doubling so I can do both. Everyone’s busy in my household, so we all make sure we spend at least a few minutes together before turning in for the night. It’s all about proper time management and sticking to it!

 

• How has Golden Care helped you in your career development?

Golden Care has been my one and only company I work for, and I was completely new to the field. They offered RBT certification courses at no cost, as well as partnering with schools to further education on a discounted price. That was really awesome and I am currently working on getting my RBT certification! They also send out weekly tips that are so useful for work. It’s not only the company, but also the BCBAs that I work with; they are very knowledgeable, kind and encouraging. They have guided me all the way to being a better and more effective behavior technician. I would not have been where I am now without them!

 

• What advice do you have for prospective Golden Care candidates?

Golden Care has been so patient and understanding, so if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask! Be also open minded, and be eager to learn, because learning never stops in ABA.

 

• What do you find the most challenging in your work as an ABA Therapist?

It has always been the first few weeks for me starting a new case, for the scheduling, since most of the parents are very busy; and right before rapport is established with the clients. Some of the maladaptive behaviors can be rough, but there’s always a reason and a solution behind it.

 

• What drew you to Golden Care originally? And how has Golden Care changed since?

I honestly think it’s the way they communicated with me from day 1. They treated me with respect from the beginning, and has always been so accommodating and understanding.

 

• What have you gained from working at Golden Care?

I have learned so much about ABA and the families I work with.

 

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be patient and kind. These two things will bring you to places and help you in so many ways.

 

• What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self?

You’re going to find the place where you belong eventually. Don’t be in such a hurry!

 

• What is the favorite part in your work as an ABA Therapist/ of working for Golden Care?

As an ABA therapist, I love that we think out of the box to make things more interesting for the clients and figuring out what works or solves a behavior. It’s also seeing the progress, even if it would take a while. It’s even their willingness to try anyway, because the client trusts you, even if they can’t do it yet. Working with Golden Care, in the other hand, has been wonderful. I love the staff and I love how they show compassion and patience as well.

 

• What is your proudest moment at Golden Care/ in your work as an ABA Therapist?

There’s actually two that almost made me cry of joy. (I’m not sure if I can disclose this, or if it’s in violation of HIPAA but if not, please delete this part!) Client A was non verbal, and did not speak whole words before, but now he tells me “I am hungry” without being prompted. Client B solely uses PECS, but mostly uses it for manding for wants. But one day, after we played outside with his soccer ball, he used his PECS and said “All done ball”. The fact that he used it just to talk about it was amazing to me! The feeling is indescribable.

 

• What is one thing that you wished people knew about your job?

I wish people knew  how this job just fills my heart to the brim, and children in the spectrum are more capable, and just as awesome as neurotypical children are. My job does not only connect me to the clients, but also to the whole family. It can be hard sometimes, but good days supersede it. You’ll always learn new things and you’ll want to learn more as well.

 

• What does the day to day of your job look like?

On most days, the clients and I would be singing, laughing, playing and dancing so much. It does not have to be sitting down and teaching them traditionally, and inserting fun in the learning process is vital.