Association for Behavior Analysis International

This symposium will focus on obstacles and successes in the implementation of applied behavior analysis for individuals with autism in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. There will be an extended discussion and Q&A opportunity at the end of the session.

At the conclusion of the presentation participants will be able to: (1) describe the challenges facing communities and families raising autistic children in South Africa who have barriers to accessing ABA services; (2) apply the principles learned during the session on how it is possible to effectively deliver quality ABA programs to various communities; (3) appreciate the importance of correct diagnosis and early and intensive behavioral intervention; (4) discuss the achievements and gains made from implementing ABA despite limited resources.

The World Health Organization has stated that in Africa, autism spectrum disorders are under recognized, under appreciated in their impact, and under resourced. The palpable difficulties include policies, institutions, infrastructures, leadership problems, and lack of self-organization. Poverty—both financial and “functional education”—the concept of the medical model of treatment and cure, religious beliefs, myths about autism, and ethical issues also present challenges. The number of competent ABA service providers in Africa is very low, resulting in the use of untrained therapists as ABA service providers and misrepresentation of what ABA stands for. This presentation will highlight efforts toward capacity building, raising awareness, and advocacy.

This presentation will focus on the current status of behavior analysis in South Africa, which includes the lack of recognition and regulation of ABA services. The presentation will provide an insight into the challenges facing South African parents of autistic children. The presentation will also discuss strategies for ensuring that the ABA approach be accepted as first-line treatment for autism in South African communities. The presenters will further share information on how high-quality ABA programs can be delivered to various communities even in the absence of medical insurance or government funding.

As the field of applied behavior analysis is gaining momentum in African countries, it is important to consider factors to enhance growth, cultural considerations needed, and the impact on the local communities. These factors include accessibility to training and education, validity and applicability of Westernized assessment tools, cultural sensitivity and requirements which vary across the continent, and how to disseminate ABA accurately, effectively and ethically. This presentation will discuss the challenges and successes faced in gaining BACB certification, disseminating information, creating awareness and running centres for individuals with developmental disorders both in Kenya and Tanzania. The importance of cultural aspects during staff and parent training, and the generalizability of resources readily available, how to empower the local community, and how to ensure sustainability will be discussed.