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Background: Supervision of behavior analysts seeking certification and supervision of service delivery are key processes in the provision of quality behaviour analytic services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Our study is the first to examine international supervisory practices within the field of applied behaviour analysis. Method: An online survey was distributed to 92 professionals internationally, assessing supervisory practice, supervisor support, work demands, job satisfaction, and burnout. Results: Findings indicate high satisfaction with the supervisor and supervisory experience. Excessive work demands positively correlate with high burnout and low job satisfaction. Half of all professionals only worked with one or two clients before certification. Supervisor and collegial support seem to decrease the likelihood of suffering burnout and increase job satisfaction, although relationships were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Supervisor and collegial support warrant further research as protective factors. Implications for an evidence-based supervisory practice that produces ethical and competent supervisees are discussed.

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Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is recognised as the scientific basis of effective interventions in many educational, social, and medical fields, including autism. In this chapter, the basic tenets of ABA are described and briefly reviewed. Autism aetiology, diagnosis and prevalence are sketched out and the remainder of the chapter focuses on ABA-based interventions for children with autism. The chapter concludes with an examination of internationally recognised training standards for behaviour analysts.