Building Behaviour Analysis in Lebanon: Resilience, Advocacy, and Hope

What does it take to build behaviour analysis in the middle of economic collapse, political instability, and war?

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman speaks with Christine Der Sarkissian, President of the Association for Behavior Analysis in Lebanon (ABAL), about the remarkable growth of ABA in Lebanon. They discuss parent advocacy, professional certification, culturally responsive practice, inclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the challenges of delivering autism services during ongoing crisis.

Whether you're interested in global behaviour analysis, autism services, cultural responsiveness, or systems change, this conversation offers valuable lessons in resilience and leadership.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x9mYHLNXy6c

Continuing Education Credits

BACB: 1.0 Ethics
IBAO:  1.0 Cultural
QABA: 1.0 Ethics
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity  

Complete The Behaviour Speak CE Knowledge Check To Earn Your CEUs

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Question 1

According to Christine, what factor played the most foundational role in establishing ABA services in Lebanon?

A. Government funding initiatives

B. Universities creating ABA programs

C. Parent advocacy and initiatives

D. International insurance companies

Question 2

Which challenge did Christine identify as one of the greatest barriers to expanding high-quality ABA services throughout Lebanon?

A. A lack of interest from families

B. Too many certified supervisors

C. A shortage of supervisory-level behaviour analysts

D. Excessive government regulation

Question 3

Which practice best reflects the culturally responsive approach to ABA described by Christine?

A. Using identical intervention procedures regardless of family culture

B. Adapting intervention goals to align with family values, culture, and meaningful daily life

C. Prioritizing standardized protocols over family preferences

D. Limiting family involvement to reduce treatment interference

Contact Christine

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-der-sarkissian-6a667750/

Links:

ABA Lebanon

http://abalebanon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/abalebanon/

https://www.facebook.com/abalebanon/

Learn more about some of the great work being done by Lebanese Behaviour Analysts in these interviews:

Behaviour Analysis in Lebanon and Qatar with Rola El Annan

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-94-behaviour-analysis-in-lebanon-and-qatar-with-rola-el-annan-med-bcba/

Threads Of Hope: Addressing Trauma Amid War and Civil Discord with Sawsan Razzouk

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-139threads-of-hope-addressing-trauma-amid-war-and-civil-discord-with-sawsan-razzouk-ma-bcba/

Safeguarding Vulnerable Children In The Arab World With Dr. Asmahan Saleh Khalil

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-200-safeguarding-vulnerable-children-in-the-arab-world-with-dr-asmahan-saleh-khalil/