ABA Lebanon

By Sousan Razzouk

As the tumultuous year of 2023–2024 unfolded, the Association of Behavior Analysis in Lebanon (ABAL) made several accomplishments. Some of the latter include, but are not limited to, how ABAL: expanded to include approximately 80 members, navigated significant changes to its mission/vision/bylaws, re-created its online presence, became ACE provider for BACB and CEU provider for IBAO, reinforced its commitment to ethical behavior analysis, and demonstrated unwavering support for its community during a period of regional turmoil.

Below are some detailed highlights:

I. New Leadership and Vision:
ABAL initiated the year with a transformative overhaul, redefining its purpose and electing new office members. The dynamic changes were encapsulated in the reimagined mission and vision statements. These statements underscore ABAL’s dedication to upholding the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) while ensuring culturally responsive and trauma-informed support services.

Mission Statement:
ABAL’s mission is committed to uphold the science of applied behavior analysis by establishing, promoting, disseminating and maintaining high ethical, professional standards. We strive to deliver socially significant and meaningful changes celebrating the diverse and vibrant Lebanese community. Through culturally responsive and trauma-informed support services, we aim to protect the rights and dignity of the communities we serve, while providing science-based effective support that promotes compassion, humility, and is accessible to all.

Vision Statement:
We aim to nurture a network that is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and resilient, where the contingencies shaping behaviors are understood and addressed effectively. By providing evidence-based interventions and support services, we aspire to create a space of scientific dialogue that perpetually improves the delivery of ABA and promotes the well-being, rights, and dignity of all communities we serve. Together, we strive to create socially significant and meaningful changes that protect and uplift the community-cultural fabric, leaving a lasting positive impact. ABAL is dedicated to providing our members with access to the latest research and insights, allowing them to make informed decisions and contribute to the advancement of their fields. We strive to uphold scientific mindedness by analyzing the functional relationship between the interventions selected and the environmental variables and contingencies to provide effective meaningful and culturally responsive services that best meet the needs of those we serve. Compassion is at the core of our vision. We believe in growing a community that encourages empathy, kindness, and support for one another. By embracing compassion, we aspire to create a safe and nurturing space where members can connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships. Empowerment is a key value we uphold. We aim to equip our members with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives. Through resilience-building initiatives, we envision ABAL as a catalyst for empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and achieve their full potential.

II. Public Statement and Task Force Creation:
ABAL publicly addressed the local and regional conflict, via social media and our website. The statement included importance of fostering safe relationships, applying the four principles to guide our approach (i.e., benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity; and ensure one’s own competence), and upholding standards such as non-discrimination (BACB code 1.08) and avoiding coercive behavior (BACB code 1.09). We also prioritize awareness of personal biases (BACB code 1.10) to ensure respectful and positive engagement, irrespective of cultural or religious differences. Furthermore, the statement mentioned that our communication should steer clear of inflammatory language and subjective interpretations, especially when addressing traumatic events. Aligned with our foundational principles and ethical codes, we unequivocally denounced any brutal attacks on innocent civilians. In solidarity with global organizations, ABAL denounced violence, acknowledging the collective trauma stemming from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The association condemned human rights violations and the severe humanitarian consequences, prioritizing the mental health and well-being of all affected individuals.

Then, a task force was swiftly established to support the community during these challenging times.

Behavioral and Psycho-Educational Support Task Force:
The Behavioral and Psycho-Educational Support Task Force, hosted by ABAL, comprises 35+ dedicated members. The mission is to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practices to address the unique needs of individuals and the community during crises. The task force operates as a unified team, bringing together psychology, education, and behavioral science.
Three sub-groups were formed, each focusing on supporting children and adolescents, individuals with special needs and their families, and adults. Guided by evidence-based practices, trauma-informed approaches, and cultural responsiveness, the task force disseminates tailor-made behavioral and psycho-educational resources through various channels, including virtual discussions, social media, and the ABAL website.

III. Conference and Collaboration:
ABAL continued its dedication to education and professional development by hosting the Behavior Analysis Across the Lifespan conference in September 2023. Renowned speakers presented on diverse topics, contributing to the ongoing dialogue within the ABA and SLP communities.
Additionally, collaborating with Notre Dame University, ABAL extended its reach, engaging in a lecture about ABA and its applications in the treatment of autism.

In March 2024, ABAL was hosted by the Lebanese Psychological Association to deliver a lecture on ABA to the psychologists.
In October 2024, ABAL will host its 3rd Annual Conference to further our journey of dissemination of ABA as a practice and empowering the consumers of ABA in Lebanon.

IV. Interdisciplinary/Intersectional Conversations:
To bridge the gap between practice, science, and other fields, we organized a series of interviews and webinars. These included:
1) A conversation with Trauma Specialist Dr. Rana Tayara and ACT Practitioner and Behavior Analyst Ms. Sousan Razzouk, MA, BCBA, IBA, discussing the current crisis and violent conflict. The focus was on using behavior analytic language to comprehend trauma.

A conversation with Bosnian Genocide Survivor and Trauma Therapist Ms. Selma and Palestinian-American and Autism Mom Ms. Lila Ayad Al Harsha, MEd, BCBA, IBA, exploring Intergenerational Trauma and its intersection with behavior analysis.

A two-part webinar series on self-awareness for therapists featuring Canadian-Lebanese Psychologist Dr. Noor and educational psychologist, and renowned social media figure, Dr. Jana Bou Reslan. These webinars were hosted by ABAL and representing the ABA lens were board members Sousan Razzouk, BCBA, IBA and Rola El Anan, MEd, BCBA.

IV. Step towards regulating ABA practice in Lebanon:
We have officially become legally registered as a non-profit association in Lebanon. Additionally, in an effort to begin regulating ABA practice in Lebanon, ABAL established a virtual ABA community by creating a WhatsApp network and the publication of a dedicated page on practicing ABA in Lebanon on the ABAL website. A dedicated ABAL committee has been formed to continue with this important task.

As ABAL looks towards the future, the chapter remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical behavior analysis, compassionate community building, and empowering its members to create positive, lasting impacts. The journey of 2023–2024 serves as a testament to ABAL’s resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to advancing the science and practice of behavior analysis in Lebanon.