What Is a Certified Behaviour Analyst in Australia?

Understanding the Role of a Behaviour Analyst

A Certified Behaviour Analyst is a professional trained in the science of behaviour. Behaviour analysts study how behaviour is learned and influenced by the environment, and use this knowledge to help individuals build meaningful skills.

In Australia, behaviour analysts commonly support children with communication difficulties, developmental delays, emotional regulation challenges, feeding difficulties and behaviour concerns. Their work focuses on teaching new skills, supporting independence and improving quality of life.

Behaviour analysis is evidence based and grounded in decades of research across psychology, education and health.

What Certification Means in Australia

Certified Behaviour Analysts hold a postgraduate Masters qualification in behaviour analysis or psychology and have completed supervised practical experience. Many are certified through international certification boards and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

In Australia, behaviour analysts also align with local professional standards and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Certification ensures practitioners have the training, experience and ethical oversight required to provide safe and effective support.

What Behaviour Analysts Do

Behaviour analysts work closely with children and families to understand strengths, challenges and goals. Their role may include:

• conducting assessments

• observing behaviour patterns

• identifying skill gaps

• developing behaviour support strategies

• teaching communication and coping skills

• coaching parents and caregivers

• collaborating with schools and other professionals

The focus is always on skill development rather than behaviour suppression.

How Behaviour Analysis Supports Children

Behaviour analysis supports learning by breaking skills into manageable steps and using positive reinforcement to encourage progress. Learning opportunities are embedded into everyday routines so skills are meaningful and functional.

Areas commonly supported include:

• communication and language

• emotional regulation

• social skills

• feeding

• daily living skills

• play and learning readiness

Support is individualised and adjusted based on the child’s progress and needs.

Modern Behaviour Analysis Is Child Centred

There are many misconceptions about behaviour analysis. Modern practice in Australia prioritises:

• child autonomy

• emotional wellbeing

• respectful and ethical support

• collaboration with families

• strengths based approaches
  

Sessions are often play based and designed to be engaging, flexible and responsive to the child.

When Families May Consider Seeing a Behaviour Analyst

Parents may consider behaviour analysis support when:

• a child struggles with communication

• emotional regulation challenges affect daily life

• behaviours interfere with learning or safety

• families feel unsure how to support skill development
  

A diagnosis is not always required to access support. Behaviour analysis focuses on skill building for all children who may benefit.

Collaboration With Families and Professionals

Behaviour analysts work collaboratively with families, educators and other allied health professionals. This teamwork ensures strategies are consistent across environments and aligned with family values and goals.

Parent involvement is central to effective behaviour analysis, as learning occurs most often in everyday life.