An ABA tutor is the person who works day to day with the child (children) implementing the strategies and implementing the skills identified by the case manager (Behaviour Analyst), this may mean working with a child in the family’s own home or in a school or nursery. There are also other opportunities available for experienced ABA tutors to work in mainstream education.

This information will be useful to those who want a career working as ABA tutors and those who might employ them.

What does an ABA tutor do?

This will differ from client to client depending on the child’s and family’s needs.

What is an ABA Tutor: Main Function:

The main function of the post as an ABA tutor is to provide 1:1 teaching to autistic children using principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). Most tutors would typically work with each child for 6 to 12 hours per week.

What is an ABA Tutor: Main tasks:

The tutor should also follow the child’s individual curriculum as guided by a qualified case manager. They should use ABA methodologies/strategies as outlined in the workshop notes and follow any amendments made to programmes by lead tutors/parents who regularly consult with the case managers.

All tutors should make every effort to attend all team meetings and workshops in order to maintain consistency and ensure continuous best practice. During workshops and team meetings good tutors help to identify areas of need/change within each individual pupil’s programme, open discussions and offer suggestions as to potential methodology This input should be based on the curriculum and ABA methodologies to ensure that each child learns quickly and accurately and should be presented as an area for discussion by the whole team- if agreement doesn’t occur then this should be written on a list of issues for one person to contact the case manager about.

All tutors should be trained in safeguarding and should not take any unnecessary risks when working with clients. Tutors should hold a current DBS check and have appropriate insurance.

Tutors working on ABA programmes are required to take data; if you are not taking data then you are not doing ABA.  Tutors should collect data as instructed and complete records/paperwork and other administrative tasks as required in a timely, legible manner.

How do I become an ABA Tutor?

If you want to work as an ABA tutor the best way to get started is to look for individual families who need ABA tutors.  You may see adverts on the Child Autism UK Facebook page and other similar pages.

If you join Child Autism UK your details will appear in a database which parents can access.  You will also get updates from us about ABA policy and developments.  You will also be able to advertise your availability as a tutor on our Facebook page.