I Hate My Job: Real Stories of Ethical Dilemmas in ABA
In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, Stephen and April respond directly to the frustrations and ethical concerns voiced by ABA professionals across social media platforms. As ABA providers know, working in this field often means balancing the practical demands of staffing with a genuine commitment to ethical client care. This episode dives into the real thoughts and feelings of those on the ground, exposing the pressures ABA practitioners face daily.
Through these honest reactions, Stephen and April explore questions like: Is it ethical for a company to take on more clients without having therapists ready to provide care? How do ABA professionals handle the pressure to "just make it work" when faced with staffing issues? These stories reveal the struggles of managing high client demand in a field where qualified staff are in short supply.
With a shared mission of supporting ABA practices, Stephen and April offer practical insights and tools to address these issues. One helpful resource is caseload utilization metrics, which enable ABA practice leaders to better gauge client capacity and staffing needs. Tools like this can help prevent the common pitfall of taking on more clients than the practice can ethically serve—a key component of effective ABA Practice Management.
They also emphasize the importance of foundational documents like the Employee and Client Handbook for ABA Practices. Clear guidelines and expectations for both staff and clients can reduce misunderstandings and improve overall communication within an ABA practice. If you’re interested in creating or refining these essential handbooks, you can explore our resources here.
Financial and operational pressures are another reality faced by ABA professionals. We’re proud to be sponsored by MarginKeepers, a team dedicated to helping ABA businesses navigate the unique challenges of accounting in this field. Their expertise allows ABA providers to focus on delivering quality care while they handle the back-end complexities. For more details, visit https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers.
For anyone considering starting an ABA practice or working to strengthen an existing one, our free start-up list is a valuable resource, covering everything from initial planning to long-term growth. Download it here. And if you’re looking to connect with other ABA business leaders, our exclusive membership offers additional resources and networking opportunities, accessible here.
By reacting to these real, unfiltered experiences, Stephen and April hope to foster a conversation around ethical decision-making in ABA. It’s clear that ABA professionals want to provide the best care possible while navigating complex, and sometimes frustrating, challenges. Together, we can drive meaningful change in the ABA field, ensuring that client care and ethical standards are always at the forefront.
