Chair: Kara Reagon, Ph.D. (Autism Speaks) Discussant: Andy Shih (Autism Speaks) Abstract: This symposium will discuss applied behavior analysis as it relates to autism globally. Behavior Analytic Introduction to Global Autism Public Health Initiative and Autism Researchers Without Borders KARA REAGON (Autism Speaks) Abstract: This presentation will use Stokes and Baer's 1977 seminal article on generalization and Wolf's 1978 paper on social validity as platforms to discuss why behavior analysts should consider a public health framework for dissemination of ABA principles in the treatment of autism globally and correcting some of the misconceptions of behavior analysis. Strategies and tactics for promoting acceptance, implementation, and dissemination of evidence-based practices in low-resource settings will be reviewed. Theories of why global acceptance of ABA has not occurred and more importantly why behavior analytic fallacies still exist in the world will be examined. Strategic planning steps for students, families, practitioners, researchers, and organizations to influence public health policy and educational reform will be outlined. The need for both single-subject design research and randomized-controlled trials will be proposed in evaluating low-intensity/large scale programs, and the training of non-specialist facilitators in low-resource settings to meet the treatment gap needs of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders. Target Audience: TBD Learning Objectives: TBD Educational Level: Basic Developing a Parent Skills Training Program for Non-Specialist Facilitators in Low- and Middle-Income Countries STEPHANIE SHIRE (University of California, Los Angeles) Abstract: Review of epidemiological data demonstrates that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a global public health matter (Elsabbagh et al., 2012). Although intervention science has led to the development of efficacious parent-mediated early intervention programs, these services are resource intensive and available to a select few of the many who could benefit from them. For children with ASD who are growing up in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), few if any services may be available to target the core social communication challenges experienced by many children with ASD. This presentation will focus on the process of development of a parent skills training program designed to be delivered by non-specialist facilitators in LMICs. Considerations and challenges regarding the development and scientific evaluation of the trainer intervention model will be discussed. Improving Developmental Trajectories of Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Strategies for Bridging Research to Practice AMY WETHERBY (Florida State University) Abstract: The need for community-viable evidence-based intervention strategies for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a priority with earlier diagnosis. The Early Social Interaction Project (ESI) uses the SCERTS curriculum to teach parents of toddlers with ASD how to embed evidence-based intervention strategies and supports in everyday activities in natural environments to promote their child's active engagement. Research findings from the randomized controlled trial of ESI, funded by Autism Speaks and NIMH, will be presented. Plans for rolling out Autism Navigator, a collection of web-based courses and tools that uses extensive video footage to bridge the gap between science and community practice will be highlighted.