When Is RBT Appreciation Day & Week 2025 | National day
RBT Appreciation Week is celebrated annually in early May (May 6–10 in 2024) to recognize Registered Behavior Technicians’ contributions in ABA therapy. While RBT Appreciation Day isn’t fixed nationally, many clinics and organizations hold one-day events to honor and thank RBTs.
I know that being an RBT, the job isn’t easy.
That’s why RBT Appreciation Day and RBT Appreciation Week exist: to shine a light on the work you do and give the recognition you deserve.
But here’s the thing: most people often get confused about when these celebrations actually happen.
What Is RBT Appreciation Day?
There’s no official nationwide “RBT Appreciation Day.”
Different clinics, ABA providers, and advocacy groups celebrate it on their own schedules.
Some will host a one-day recognition event, and Others tie it to bigger awareness campaigns in behavior analysis.
I want you to think of RBT Appreciation Day like a bonus spotlight. If your clinic chooses to recognize it, you’ll likely see:
- Shoutouts during staff meetings or newsletters.
- Thank-you lunches or small team events.
- Personal notes from supervisors or families.
Like I said before, the celebration is not locked into one calendar date. Instead, it’s more about the gesture, taking a single day to say, “We see you. We value what you do.”
What About RBT Appreciation Week?
Now this one’s more official. RBT Appreciation Week happens every year, usually in early May.
In 2024, it ran from May 6 to May 10, and many ABA providers built the week around themes.
Here’s how the 5-day structure often looks:
- Day 1 – Professional Recognition
Teams highlight the role RBTs play in client progress. - Day 2 – Client Success Stories
Celebrations focus on the real impact RBTs have in the field. - Day 3 – Growth & Development
Some organizations give access to training or extra resources. - Day 4 – Community Impact
RBTs are recognized for the difference they make beyond direct sessions. - Day 5 – Looking Ahead
The week closes with encouragement, vision, and future opportunities.
If you are in the RBT Business and interact with it on social media, you’ll often see ABA clinics posting on social media during this week, sharing RBT spotlights, client progress highlights, or team celebrations.
Why RBT Appreciation Week Matters?
Being an RBT is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Trust me when I say this, cause I personally have been one.
Long sessions, data collection, and behavior plans all add up. That’s why having a dedicated week is powerful.
It’s not just about free pizza or a staff t-shirt. It’s about:
- Recognition for the frontline role you play in ABA.
- Visibility for the skills you bring to clients and families.
- Motivation to keep growing in your professional journey.
The week is also a chance for supervisors and organizations to remind RBTs they’re not just task-doers, they’re essential to the success of treatment plans.
RBT Day vs. RBT Week
| Celebration | When It Happens | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| RBT Appreciation Day | No fixed date, varies by clinic or organization | One-off recognition events or staff shoutouts |
| RBT Appreciation Week | Early May (2024 was May 6–10) | Five themed days, larger-scale celebrations |
How You Can Celebrate
If you’re a supervisor, clinic owner, or BCBA, don’t wait until May to show appreciation.
- Write handwritten thank-you notes with personal details.
- Share client progress stories and directly credit the RBT’s role.
- Offer professional development opportunities as a gift.
- Give small perks such as extra break time, flexible scheduling, or a free coffee card.
And if you’re an RBT yourself?
Use Appreciation Week as a reminder of your worth.
Take pride in your role, and please don’t be afraid to advocate for continued recognition beyond this one week.
Whether it’s RBT Appreciation Day or the full RBT Appreciation Week, the point is the same: this field doesn’t work without you. After passing the gruelling RBT Exam and all the work you have put into it, you deserve a day.
I believe in you, acknowledge, and am thankful for all your hard work. The dates might shift, the events might vary, but the appreciation is real.
You should be appreciated.
