Addressing the Behavior Analyst Shortage in Florida

2025

The University of Florida (UF) and the University of Miami (UM) received a grant from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. to investigate the shortage of behavior analysis services in Florida, focusing on autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite an increase in Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), there's still a significant shortage, especially in rural areas. Studies show that supervisor support, job satisfaction, and fair pay are critical for employee retention (Gibson et al., 2009; Kazemi et al., 2015). The COVID-19 pandemic worsened job insecurity and burnout among behavior therapists (Jimenez-Gomez et al., 2021). To address this issue, this comprehensive project was initiated, involving a task force, environmental scan, focus groups, interviews, and surveys. The final report offers recommendations to improve access to behavioral services in Florida, encompassing factors like job-employee fit, supportive work environments, strong supervision, training, and fair compensation. Overall, this project seeks to identify the factors contributing to the shortage of behavior therapists and enhance the quality of behavioral services in Florida.

Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services

Health-Related Activities

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Renewal Community, Reservation, Rural/Remote, Urban, Territory

State

N/A