International Symposium of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Specialists Held at KazNPU

On July 10, 2025, the International Symposium of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Specialists kicked off at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

The main goal of the symposium was to discuss the development prospects of applied behavior analysis in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the work of ABA specialists, and their collaboration with educational institutions and society in promoting inclusion.

As part of the event, a roundtable discussion was held with the participation of Banu Narbekova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of KazNPU; Galiya Abaeva, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology at KazNPU; Nuriya Baltabaykyzy, Chair of the National Association "AUTISM KAZAKHSTAN"; Zuhra Kamar, member of the international Association for Behavior Analysis (Canada); Asiya Kizatova, head of the "First Steps" ABA Center (Almaty); Olga Shapovalova, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA, USA); Zhanat Akhmetova, Director of the "Rostok" ABA Center; Aynura Nurova, head of "Aba Center Tuyme"; and Zhanna Kaliyeva, founder of the "Asyl Alem" ABA Centers.

In addition, the symposium brought together experienced behavior analysts from the USA, Canada, Russia, and Kazakhstan, parents of children with developmental disabilities, as well as government representatives and experts.

The symposium program included several thematic sessions: a plenary session discussing key issues and the role of ABA professionals; the "Who Are We?" session presenting successful case studies; a debate titled "How Can ABA Transform Kazakhstani Society?"; a panel session on ABA`s role in the education and social sectors; and an informal networking meeting.

During the plenary session, the following topics were addressed: theoretical foundations of applied behavior analysis, inclusive education, support for parents and specialists, use of ABA strategies, post-school inclusion, employment of adults with autism, and the adaptation of children to everyday situations through behavioral therapy.

The symposium will continue on July 11 and 12.