Pros
AST compensates their staff at higher rates than most other NPAs. They are financially stable. And they have some very talented clinicians working for them.
Cons
In return for the higher compensation you are expected to work 12-15 hours per day, including weekends. The caseloads are so ridiculous that once you do the math on how much you make per hour, it turns out that they don't really pay more than the other NPAs. AST acknowledges that they are hurting their staff by overworking them, but they are not really doing anything about it. I gaurantee that the majority of AST employees are not satisfied, but due to the economic climate they feel trapped and as if they have no other option but to put up with the hours. Most of the positive reviews on this website come directly from upper managament in an effort to improve their public image and recruit staff. Personally speaking, I remain at AST because I have a family to support, but I may not be there for long because I am probably causing my kids more harm by being an absent parent. Plus, I don't have my BCBA yet, but as soon as I get it, I will be looking elsewhere.
