Personal Statement

pdf

School

Arizona State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

520

Subject

Psychology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

pdf

Pages

Uploaded by PrivateStar28955

Personal Statement Describe one of more personal or professional goals that motivated you to apply for this degree. How will completion of the MA in special education (applied behavior analysis) program help you fulfill these goals? I have always had an incredibly large passion for psychology and everything that falls into its category. In the last couple of years I have accumulated valuable experience working with special needs individuals and currently hold a full time position as a behavioral technician working with children of all ages. In my time working as an ABA therapist, it has become very evident that this is the direction that I want to go with my career and that in order to do that, I need a further understanding of the complex behaviors that I am presented with every day. Attaining a masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis would bring me one step closer to becoming a BCBA and using a high quality education to put valuable theories and clinical techniques into practice. The impact that ABA has on children with Autism and other developmental or behavioral challenges is worth far more to me than any amount of compensation. My goal as an aspiring Board Certified Behavioral Analyst is to assist children into becoming the best version of themselves and providing them with tools they need to be successful and happy in their futures. Describe a quality that you believe is critical in working with an individual with special needs and include at least one situation where you have demonstrated this quality. There are many qualities that I believe are critical when it comes to working with an individual with special needs. Particularly though, I believe that autonomy is among the most important qualities and is what separates a good behavioral analyst from a great one. A common misconception about behavioral therapists is that their duties consist of solely following a group of rigid procedures. Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to behavior. It requires a great deal of critical thinking and judgment. Having a good grasp for autonomy is the difference between a therapist that teaches simple compliance and task mastering for extrinsic reinforcement, in contrast to a therapist that teaches generalization and critical thinking skills. Describe an individual with special needs and how you supported him or her. I have supported a wide variety of clients throughout my time working with children with special needs. Each client has been unique and has struggled and flourished in their own ways. However, one client that sticks out to me the most is a boy that I was assigned to for in-home visits. He was 5 years of age, had limited language, and struggled with episodes of attention seeking non compliance. This patient in particular had worked with me in our company office

without any other children present, and excelled in ways that he could not in the presence of his family. When in his home, there were 2 siblings present, ample room for distractions, and competition for attention. In order to properly support this client, I spoke with the caregiver about his increase in challenging behaviors since beginning sessions at home and asked her if she would be comfortable with the client and I spending half of our sessions in their backyard; free of distractions, and without the siblings present. I explained that in time, I would begin to fade out the amount of time spent without siblings present, depending on the client's progress and response to this change . Fortunately, this allowed my client time with me alone to communicate his needs effectively. Over several weeks, the patient displayed a decrease in challenging behaviors and was able to tolerate the presence of his siblings more effectively as we reintroduced them back into the environment during our sessions. Briefly discuss why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree at this time. What steps have you taken (or will you take) to ensure that you will be successful in this program? As previously mentioned, I have always had a huge passion for psychology; specifically working with those that are on the spectrum or suffer from developmental disorders. I believe that bettering the lives of individuals by providing them with the tools they need for success and further independence is the most fulfilling career in the world. In order to ensure that I will be successful in this program, I will take all necessary steps and sacrifices to complete every task thoroughly and intentionally, using the knowledge that I gain from professors and peers. Additionally, I will have excellent time management and prioritize my education and my success in this program above all things. If there is one thing I have learned throughout my undergraduate studies, it is that Psychology is evolving and will continue to evolve forever. It is imperative to maintain an open mind and to consider all ideas, theories, and opinions from professors and peers. I am thrilled by the opportunity to potentially participate in this program to further my education and career.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Related Documents

8-2 copy.docx

Projects 6-2 copy.docx

Model 5 copy.docx

Reflection Introduction to the Masters of Science in Psycology.docx

L5 Case Study Running Records.docx

PSYC351 : Quiz #6- Counseling Minority Populations, Arab-Americans, & Gender Issues.docx

week 5 post SP 421.docx

week 6 Post P.S 421.docx

4040 Module 3 Video Observations.docx

Comparing+Child+Disorders.docx

Learning Disabilities Worksheet.docx

Contrast Therapy Assignment updated.docx

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning