ABA Lebanon – 2025 Annual Report – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Sousan Razzouk

Despite the challenges posed by the Israeli war on Lebanon, our team remained committed to
advancing knowledge and professional development. We successfully conducted key projects,
including a culturally responsive ACT training tailored to support those affected by the crisis and
war. Additionally, we hosted a webinar with Dr. Sorah Stein on Sexual Expression, Human Rights,
Behavior, and Developmental Disabilities, fostering essential dialogue on these critical topics.
Although the Annual Conference had to be postponed, the groundwork remains strong for future
realization. We also updated our by-laws, reinforcing our organizational framework to align with
evolving goals.

Our resilience and commitment to supporting professionals and communities remain steadfast,
ensuring that our mission continues despite adversity.

New Leadership and Vision

Webinar:
Sexual Expression, Human Rights, Behavior, and Developmental Disabilities
Presented by Dr. Sorah Stein PhD, BCBA-D, CSE, CSES
The webinar with Dr. Sorah Stein was highly informative, providing a comprehensive discussion
on sexuality, development, and human rights for individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr.
Stien emphasized the importance of educating and preparing children with developmental
delays for discussions about sexuality, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance and support.
Attended by 18 participants, primarily from the Lebanese community, the session created a
valuable space for professionals and caregivers to gain practical strategies. Additionally, BCBAs
who attended earned CEUs, further reinforcing the event’s impact on professional development.
The insights shared in the webinar will continue to guide efforts in fostering inclusive and informed approaches to sexual education for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Training:
ACT in Action: Practical Strategies and Tools
Dr. Benjamin Schoendorff, MA, MSc and Dr. Sacha Rombouts, PhD

The ACT in Action training, led by Dr. Benji and Dr. Sacha, was a successful collaboration between
ABAL and them. This training focused on culturally responsive strategies to support individuals
affected by crisis and war.

Open to ABA professionals, healthcare providers, psychologists, and medical professionals, the
training was held weekly for two hours over a span of 13 weeks, beginning on October 28, 2024, and concluding on February 10, 2025.

Participation was robust, with 22 attendees joining from Lebanon, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar, and the United States, demonstrating the broad international reach of the training. The
attendees came from diverse professional backgrounds, including BCBAs, RBTs, special
education teachers, psychologists, and even a musician. This variety enriched the training
experience, allowing for a multidisciplinary exchange of perspectives and practical applications.
The sessions provided structured learning, practical tools, and hands-on strategies designed to be
immediately applicable in professional settings. Through dynamic discussions and experiential
exercises, participants gained deeper insight into ACT’s culturally responsive application, ensuring
they could integrate these practices effectively into their work. The training reinforced the
importance of adaptability, compassion, and scientific rigor, making a lasting impact on those who
attended. Additionally, BCBAs who attended earned CEUs.

Collaboration:
ABAL recently established a valuable collaboration with Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill, PhD, CCC-SLP,
BCBA, LBA to contribute to a Six-Week Live Course Contributor Package. This initiative aims to
ensure that all course materials undergo a rigorous peer-review process, aligning with the latest
research and evidence-based practices.

Through this partnership, ABAL seeks to expand its reach and impact by providing a structured
platform where professionals can access high-quality educational content delivered by expert
speakers. Our objective is to break down barriers to knowledge dissemination and enhance
engagement with evidence-based approaches.

As part of this effort, we have already signed a speaker, and preparations are underway for the
course to launch soon. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing professional
development opportunities and strengthening ABAL’s role as a leader in education and training
within the field.

By-Laws:
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve and refine our organizational structure, we have updated
several key aspects of our by-laws to enhance the efficiency and governance of ABAL.
Leadership Roles:
• President: Responsible for presiding over all member meetings, counting ballots in referenda, and overseeing ABAL’s operations, including internal task forces, policy enforcement, and representation of the organization.
• Past President: Provides support and guidance to the sitting president.
• President-Elect: Shadows and assists the current and past presidents, preparing to assume leadership once the sitting president’s term concludes.
• Vice President: Advises and supports the president and ABAL as needed to ensure smooth operations.

Additionally, we have introduced a conflict-of-interest policy, which requires all members to sign
an agreement ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization. This new policy
strengthens ABAL’s ethical standards and commitment to professional integrity.

ABAL Conference:
The ABAL Conference, originally scheduled for October 2024, was postponed due to the ongoing
war. The conference has now been rescheduled for October 2025 and will span two days, featuring
distinguished speakers from across the behavior analysis field. This event will serve as a vital
platform for professionals to engage in discussions, share knowledge, and collaborate on
advancements in applied behavior analysis.

Despite the delay, we remain committed to delivering a high-quality conference that fosters
professional growth and strengthens the ABA community. Preparations are actively underway, and
we look forward to hosting an enriching event that brings together experts, practitioners, and
researchers from around the world.

Conclusion:
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the resilience, dedication, and
unwavering commitment of our community. Despite the challenges we have faced, we have
continued to grow, innovate, and strengthen our impact in the field of applied behavior analysis.

Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the future. With the upcoming ABAL Conference, new
training initiatives, and expanded collaborations, we are poised to further advance our mission.
Our commitment to professional development, inclusivity, and scientific excellence remains
steadfast, and we are excited to build on our achievements to create even greater opportunities
for learning and growth.

Together, we will continue to push boundaries, break down barriers, and ensure that behavior
analysis remains a powerful tool for positive change. We look forward to the coming year with
renewed hope and determination, knowing that our collective efforts will leave a lasting impact on
our field and the communities we serve.