| Abstract: If one looks for data on the presence of Applied Behavior Analysis-based (ABA-based) autism services in Latin America, nothing systematic will be found, besides a few clinic names and professionals. In another example, if you search for Board Certified Behavior Analysts you will find two in Brazil, two in Mexico, and one in Peru; the numbers in other countries are not very different. People trying to implement and disseminate ABA-based autism services in Latin American countries have been finding different obstacles such as (a) limited resources in their languages; (b) few well prepared professionals; (c) few students and professionals willing to be trained in ABA, (d) lack of openness from schools, parents, and health professionals to implement ABA procedures, (e) lack of awareness and many misconceptions regarding ABA, autism and other developmental disorders. Despite the obstacles, solutions are being designed and implemented, including lectures and workshops to decrease prejudice and misconceptions about ABA; training parents, students, and professionals; creating educational resources in peoples languages; and media dissemination (e.g., radio and TV programs). This panel will discuss different obstacles and solutions related to the lack of well-trained applied behavior analysts who provide autism services in Latin America. |