The Use of Applied Behavioural Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorders- Experiences from Working with Children in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, the prevalence and detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) has increased in recent times. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is an evidence based intervention in ASDs. In Sri Lanka the principals and methods of ABA are used as part of generalized intervention rather than a stand-alone intervention. This paper discusses how an evidence based intervention such as ABA can be adapted, so that it is effective and accepted in a different culture. This is important as concepts that come in ABA such as reinforcement is influenced by culture. Cultural awareness allows the therapist to utilise aspects of culture such as appropriate reframes to increase the acceptability of an intervention. ABA can be a very useful intervention in less resourced and culturally different situations when adapted in an appropriate way.