Chinese ABA

By Karina Cheung

The establishment of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Professional Committee of the China Association of Disabled Persons Rehabilitation (CABA) on January 9, 2016, marked a significant turning point for disability rehabilitation in China. Notably, CABA is the first professional committee within this organization to be based on a specific technical specialty.

Interdisciplinary Approach to Rehabilitation:
The committee’s inauguration at the prestigious
Sixth Hospital of Peking University underscored its commitment to an interdisciplinary approach. This
strategy integrates expertise from rehabilitation, child welfare, and developmental behaviour to provide holistic care for individuals with disabilities.

Leadership and Vision:
Under the leadership of Professor Guo Yanqing, Deputy Director of the Sixth Hospital of Peking University, CABA has assembled a team of prominent figures from various relevant fields. Our shared vision, “bridging gaps, dissolving differences, and living harmoniously,” emphasizes social integration for individuals with special needs through evidence-based behaviour modification techniques.

Mission and Achievements:
CABA’s mission statement, “to commit to behaviour change technology, serve children with special needs, lay a foundation for individuals, and promote social integration,” succinctly captures their dedication. The committee has demonstrably achieved significant progress in promoting public and professional understanding of ABA principles and methods. We have also actively strived to enhance the capabilities of practitioners in the field.

Highlights of CABA’s Work:
Professional Skills Certification: CABA has convened meetings to discuss and establish an ethical framework for professional skills certification of behaviour analysts in China.

Public Awareness:
CABA actively raises public awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by participating in events like World Autism Awareness Day.

Academic Conferences:
CABA’s 9th academic conference explored the current state of ABA in China, focusing on challenges faced by institutions, effective solutions, and fostering collaboration between medical professionals, educators, and families.

Science Popularization:
CABA co-hosted a highly successful online lecture series on child and adolescent mental health, reaching over 220,000 participants.

Collaboration and Training:
CABA collaborates with various organizations, including the China Maternal and Child Health Association, to deliver online training programs on standardized ASD diagnosis and treatment, reaching a vast audience of healthcare professionals (120,000 participants).
Cultivating Professionals: CABA is dedicated to nurturing a qualified workforce of ABA professionals in China through large-scale public lectures, collaborating with foundations to train teachers, and providing technical support for training programs that meet international standards.

Conclusion:
CABA’s dedication and achievements have significantly advanced the field of ABA in China. Our commitment to collaboration, professional development, and public education paves the way for a future where individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive and achieve their full potential.