Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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35th Annual Convention; Phoenix, AZ; 2009

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Symposium #251
International Developments in ABA: Brazil, Iceland, Italy and United Arab Emirates
Sunday, May 24, 2009
1:30 PM–2:50 PM
North 120 D
Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
Chair: D. Daniel Gould (New England Center for Children - Abu Dhabi)
Abstract: The field of Behavior Analysis has experienced unprecedented growth in the United States and around the world in recent years. This has been fueled by a number of developments, including emphasis on evidence-based practices, recognition of the effectiveness of early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with autism and other disabilities, the development of a professional credentialing body, and international dissemination efforts by organizations such as the New England Center for Children. The international growth of Behavior Analysis has created exciting opportunities for trainees and trainers alike around the world. This symposium will include presentations by key Behavior Analysts from Brazil, Iceland, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. Presenters will describe professional development and training programs, innovative service-delivery and supervision models, and the history and current state of Behavior Analysis in the respective countries.
 
Behavior Analysis in Brazil
MARTHA HÜBNER (USP Sau Paulo, Brazil)
Abstract: The group of behavior analysts in Brazil is considered the largest outside the USA. The Brazilian Association of Behavioral Therapy and Medicine is the official representative of the area in the country and it is also an ABA international chapter. In the last 18 years Brazil has held an Annual Convention that receives an average of 1600 people, coming from all over the country and many from other countries. Behavior analysis started in Brazil at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) with Fred Keller in 1961, who started the first graduate program in Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Nowadays, it has undergraduate, extension and graduate courses. The graduate program is considered a center of excellence. USP's laboratories have been conducting research in stimulus control, equivalence relations and verbal behavior. The program also takes part in an international program of social inclusion and in activities to disseminate behavior analysis in the country and in the world.
 
Past, Present and Future Directions of Applied Behavior Analysis in Iceland
ATLI F. MAGNÚSSON (The Diagnostic and Counselling Center), Z. Gabriela Sigurdardottir (University of Iceland), Kristin Gudmundsdottir (University of Akureyri), Anna L. Petursdottir (Reykjavik City Department of Education)
Abstract: This talk will focus on shared and specific trends in the development of the field of behavior analysis (BA) in Iceland. The opportunities for BA services within the field of developmental disabilities (DD) and education are rather unique compared to most other countries in Europe. Most educators and professionals within the field of DD have sought graduate schools in countries where little emphasis has been placed on BA (e.g. Sweden and Denmark) while more commonly those with psychology degrees seek graduate schools in countries with more emphasis on BA (e.g. US and Norway). Compared to many European countries, there is a relatively high percentage of professionals and university faculty with background in BA. However, there has been limited emphasis on BA in the field of education and DD. Partly due to reported success in treatment of autism and positive behavior support, BA has received more attention from educators and professionals in DD services. With relatively high percentage of Icelandic professionals and university faculty with background in BA, and more Icelandic students currently earning degrees in BA, there are now increasing opportunities to incorporate BA into educational and DD services as well as training programs for students in Iceland.
 
MIPIA - Early Intensive Intervention for Autistic Children: the Italian Way
PAOLO MODERATO (IULM University ITALY), Giovambattista Presti (IULM University, Milan; IESCUM, ABA Italian Chapter), Cristina Copelli (IESCUM, ABA Italian Chapter)
Abstract: ABA services are now more frequently requested by parents with autistic children in Italy. The long standing psychoanalytic tradition in Italian culture hindered in the last 30 years the diffusion of Science based practices. Leveraging on the BACB course work, IESCUM, the Italian chapter of ABAI and EABA, developed an integrated model of intervention called MIPIA - Italian Model of Early and Intensive Intervention for Autism. MIPIA is characterized by individual (tailor made), early, intensive, integrated and sustainable programs. Although interventions are deployed in family homes, baseline assessment and program efficacy and effectiveness evaluation procedures are centralized. This allows a homogeneous environment both for clinical and research goals. Though we may speak of a “virtual” structure, in the absence of a specific building in a specific location, the model of the project and the Association behind it may represent a feasible way to spread ABA intervention procedures and model in a wide territory, while maintaining a high quality of service within the spirit of BACB standards of quality. We will discuss procedures, tools and structure of the service, personnel involved, training issues, criticalities and advantages of such a system.
 
NECC-Abu Dhabi: ABA Intervention, Professional Development, and Research in the United Arab Emirates
D. DANIEL GOULD (New England Center for Children - Abu Dhabi)
Abstract: The international dissemination of behavior analysis is important for several reasons including the critical need for ABA services for individuals around the world, and for the long-term health and development of the field or Behavior Analysis. In 2007, the New England Center for Children (NECC) signed a 10-year contract with the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi to deliver world-class behavior analysis services to children with autism in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. NECC-Abu Dhabi (NECC-AD) has three parts to its mission: Service delivery, professional development and training, and applied research in autism treatment. Services are delivered in English and Arabic languages to UAE nationals following the curriculum scope and sequence developed as part of NECC’s Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia (ACE®). In order to maximize the dissemination of ABA in the UAE and Gulf Region, NECC-AD is developing ABA training and professional development programs in affiliation with local universities. Applied research will be an important component of these training programs. This paper will present the NECC-AD implementation of service delivery, professional development, and research as a model for the international dissemination of ABA.
 

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