The Raw Truth About RBT: Burnout, Pay & Feeling Invisible

Join us for an unfiltered, emotional, and refreshingly honest conversation with three Registered Behavior Technicians. In this groundbreaking episode, RBTs reveal the untold truth about what it’s really like working on the front lines of ABA therapy—from burnout and low pay to joy, purpose, and everything in between.Whether you’re an RBT, BCBA, or someone curious about the field, this episode will challenge your perspective and move you deeplyDiscover:Why many RBTs feel invisible, undervalued, and underpaidShocking behind-the-scenes moments that’ll make you laugh and cryThe real emotional cost—and reward—of this workPowerful insights on burnout, passion, and staying in the fieldWhat every BCBA needs to hear from their RBTsThis episode is 100% real, unscripted, and guaranteed to change how you see ABA—and the people who make it happen. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:40 Special guests & fun facts about them03:35 April’s journey into ABA and motherhood07:10 Lily’s story: early intervention and becoming an RBT09:04 Rob’s path from undergrad to crisis unit12:09 A day in the life of an RBT17:48 The burnout and wanting to quit27:45 Dear BCBA, I wish you knew21:44 Clients with more challenging behaviors36:03 RBT Conference announcement and why it matters39:58 Community, visibility, and raising RBT voices44:27 Real talk: pay rates, PTO, and cancelations46:31 Ideas to fix client cancelation challenges56:40 The future of the field: retention and respect59:03 Wildest things kids have ever said1:02:44 Rapid-fire game1:03:30 Off the clock: love languages1:06:06 Final advice for new RBTs