Newsletter
Volume 30 | 2007 | Number 2
India ABA
By Smita Awasthi
Preview
ABA-India is presently in the process of formally registering within the Indian government. The process is taking longer than expected, as we are awaiting approval from the relevant Ministry on using “India” in the Society’s name. Once the registration process is complete, we will open memberships to ABA-India.
Applied behavior analysis is presently non-existent in this vast country of nearly a billion. There is one Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and two Associate Behavior Analysts who are all practicing in the field of developmental disabilities and autism. All three are part of ABA-India.
ABA-India Objectives
ABA-India has many aims and objectives; some of them are:
- To develop and disseminate knowledge about applied behavior analysis and focus on application of those principles towards socially relevant causes.
- To promote ABA services towards individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
- Advocating for teaching ABA as a curriculum in India meeting international (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) standards.
- Promote ethical standards in clinical practice, education & special education.
- Have adequate representation in policymaking and implementing bodies of the Central and State Governments and local level bodies.
- Approval of ABA by Central Bodies, for its mandatory inclusion for teaching children with disabilities.
- Promote ABA research in India by providing a platform for paper presentations.
- Coordinate & liaise in the development of ABA curriculum and transfer of technology.
Accomplishments
Certified Behavior Analysts in India are conducting orientation workshops and training at various places in the country. Some of these have been done in Delhi at Action for Autism and Dew Drops Therapy Center, Kolkata; at Autism Society West Bengal, Mumbai; at SAI Center, Lucknow; and at Autism Awareness & Action. ABA-India members are in the process of identifying universities and institutions which are agreeable to beginning ABA courses in the future.
ABA-India Web-site is in the process of development.
ABA-India has sent information to e-groups about its formation which has generated some interest and enquiries have been received on ABA therapists ABA courses in the country.
Goals for 2007-2008
Opening memberships in various categories as Full, Affiliate and Student members.
Preparing for the Delegation visit from ABA-International in Nov 2008.
Having the ABA-India Web-site for information sharing. Organizing a one day ABA conference in Nov. 2008.