Smita Awasthi is the first and so far only Board Certified Behaviour analyst in our country. She is the founder secretary of ABA India, which is affiliated to ABA (the Association for Behaviour Analysis) International. She has worked extensively with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), trained and mentored professionals in applied behaviour analysis, conducted workshops and coordinated with schools for mainstreaming. The lady is a strong advocate of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and is passionate about bringing positive changes in families that have members with ASD. Although based in Dubai, Smitha travels extensively and spends considerable time and energy in India.

Smita Awasthi was at the Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore, to demonstrate ABA therapy. Over a two-day work shop, she showed parents and therapists how to identify and provide reinforcement, fade prompts and effectively work with children with ASD.

What is ABA?

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the scientific application of principles of behaviour used in improving socially significant behaviours and in teaching effective behaviour. Whether in reformation of juvenile delinquents or in organisational behaviour management, ABA has gained wide acceptance as a means of bringing about positive change. ABA has also made a significant impact in the treatment of ASD.

How effective is ABA in treating ASD?

Very effective. Autism spectrum disorder is characterised by difficulty in social and communicative interactions, repetitive body movements and abnormal sensory responses. All these behaviours can be modified with proper ABA techniques and children do overcome their deficits. There is an alarming rise in incidence of this developmental disorder. With nearly one in 500 children being diagnosed with ASD, there is an urgent need to provide intensive training to these children. Research has shown that at least 21 hours of ABA work per week is necessary to bring in changes.

How does one become a certified behaviour analyst? 

Many universities abroad, especially in the US, provide the training. On line courses with emphasis on both theory and practice are available. One needs to be a graduate to become a Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst and a post-graduate to become a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. With the latter qualification, you can mentor other professionals also. Although many parents who have children with ASD opt to get trained, Special educators, Psychologists, teachers and Speech Language Pathologists are also increasingly getting interested in ABA.

Is ABA being used in India?

Many of us naturally use behaviour principles to get results. Family members praise each other, teachers in schools use tokens as rewards but to use it systematically and effectively and in special situations, one needs training. I must say that professionals here have not understood ABA concepts well at all. The few certified behaviour analysts in the country are now conducting orientation workshops and training at various centres.

Speech Language Pathologists like Radhika Poovayya of Samvaad institute, who have attended demo workshops are trying to use it with their kids and showing results. But a lot more definitely needs to be done.

How do you plan to change the scenario?

Having personally experienced the amazing changes that ABA brings about in children with disability, I want it to benefit more and more people. So instead of starting a centre that can train only a few people, we have started ABA India, which is a non-profit NGO. This organisation will promote ABA services to individuals with ASD. We also want to offer ABA curriculum that meets international standards, here in India. We want to work on advocacy issues at the State and central levels. I have travelled across the country trying to bring awareness about ABA. I also wish to add that ABA is about everything. Whether it is parenting, teaching or resolving conflicts, applied behaviour analysis can help the individual and therefore the society. 

Contact Smita Awasthi at smita.bcba@gmail.com, aba.india@gmail.com, Samvaad Institute,  65351150.