What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Field-Based Experience in Autism (3 Credits)
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
If you're about to start the Field-Based Experience in Autism (3 credits), let me tell you—you're in for a ride. At the time, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to apply everything I had been learning in grad school, but looking back, there’s so much I wish I knew before diving into this hands-on component.
Here’s the truth: field experience is both rewarding and challenging. It's not just about putting your knowledge into practice; it's about balancing the theoretical and practical while also managing your own growth. Let me walk you through a few things I wish I had been more prepared for before starting my field-based experience.
1. It’s More Than Just a Job—It’s Emotional
I remember going into my field-based experience expecting to just work with clients, develop interventions, and apply my learning. But I didn’t anticipate the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. Yes, there’s plenty of technical work involved, but there’s also the emotional investment in the progress of your clients.
You’re not just observing or implementing—you’re actively shaping lives. This can lead to moments of intense frustration when progress feels slow, or elation when you see breakthroughs. I learned that the emotional aspects of field experience were just as important (if not more) as the technical skills I was developing.
2. The Pace Can Be Overwhelming
Field experience sounds manageable on paper. You go out, apply what you’ve learned, and get feedback from your supervisors, right? The reality is that the pace can feel fast and overwhelming. You might have a full caseload, attend meetings, collect data, and simultaneously juggle schoolwork, all while making sure you’re staying on top of documentation and reporting.
I didn’t realize how much time and effort went into properly implementing interventions and ensuring that data was reliable and meaningful. It wasn’t just about executing strategies; it was about being consistent and attentive to every detail to ensure that interventions were having the right impact. You learn very quickly that field-based experience requires time management and prioritization in ways that grad school hadn’t prepared me for.
3. Supervision Is Key—but It Can Be Challenging
During my field experience, I had a supervisor who was incredibly helpful, but there were times when it felt like I was being pulled in a hundred different directions. Supervision is key for your growth, but I didn’t expect it to sometimes feel like I wasn’t getting enough support or direction.
There were moments when I felt uncertain about my decisions or confused about the feedback I received. It’s normal to feel like you don’t know everything yet, but I wish I had been more proactive in seeking guidance when I was struggling. Your supervisor can be a lifeline, but only if you actively engage with them and ask the right questions when you’re unclear.
4. It’s More Than Just a Checklist of Skills
In grad school, you focus a lot on theory and techniques—but field-based experience is about developing critical thinking skills and learning how to adapt in the moment. It’s not just about checking off tasks like “implement this intervention” or “conduct this assessment.” It’s about learning to evaluate and adjust based on how the child responds.
For example, in real-world scenarios, things don’t always go according to plan. You might implement a program one way, and suddenly need to change it because the child isn’t responding as expected. I realized that being able to think critically about what’s working, what’s not, and why is just as important as following the prescribed interventions.
5. Data Collection Is Constant—And It’s Crucial
You’ve probably heard it a million times in grad school: data is key. But when you’re in the field, it’s a whole different ball game. I quickly realized how meticulous and persistent you have to be with data collection.
At first, I was overwhelmed by how often I had to collect data, especially in high-demand situations where clients required constant attention. But over time, I understood that every piece of data was a small but critical part of the larger picture. You can’t skip this step. Proper data collection is how you measure the success of an intervention, and it will help you make informed decisions for your clients.
6. You Won’t Always See Immediate Results
One of the hardest things to come to terms with was the reality that results take time. In school, you get to see quick feedback from professors or peers, but in the field, it’s not always that clear-cut. Clients don’t always make immediate progress, and this can feel discouraging when you’re putting so much effort into helping them.
But this is where the lesson lies: patience. It’s easy to get frustrated or want to quit when progress is slow, but the beauty of field-based experience is that you start to learn the value of small victories and the importance of celebrating progress—no matter how small.
7. It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers
When I started my field-based experience, I felt the pressure to have all the answers. As a grad student, you think you should know it all, but the truth is that no one expects you to. I realized that being open to feedback and learning on the job is just as important as your academic knowledge.
What helped me the most was realizing that the best BCBAs are the ones who know how to ask questions, seek help, and learn from their experiences. No one has it all figured out, and field experience is the time to build your confidence in applying your knowledge while acknowledging the areas where you still have room to grow.
8. Your Personal Growth Will Be Immense
Last but definitely not least, the personal growth I experienced during my field-based experience was unmatched. I gained so much insight into not just my professional skills but also my emotional resilience, problem-solving abilities, and communication. The field experience pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to rise to the occasion in ways you never thought possible.
I came to realize that, yes, you’re there to help your clients, but this experience helps you grow as a professional and a person, too. You will be challenged and at times even exhausted, but when you look back, you’ll see how much stronger you’ve become.
Key Takeaways:
Field-based experience is about developing critical thinking, not just following a checklist.
Emotional investment is real, and patience is key.
Supervision is crucial—don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed.
Data collection is constant and critical to understanding the success of your interventions.
Progress is often slow—celebrate small victories.
It’s okay to not have all the answers. Growth happens when you keep learning.
The personal growth you’ll experience is invaluable.
That’s a wrap! Field-based experience is tough but it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of your BCBA journey. So, take a deep breath, stay patient with yourself, and keep pushing forward—you’ve got this! 🌟
