Breaking Barriers: Implementing Applied Behavior Analysis Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Rompiendo barreras: Implementación de prácticas del análisis conductual aplicado en países de ingresos bajos y medios

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most studied and proven methods for helping people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and similar developmental issues make important and positive changes in their behavior. Despite decades of evidence, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) severely limit access to ABA-informed interventions. Families in these settings often face delayed identification and diagnosis, scarce access to specialized practitioners, and minimal public-sector funding. These structural barriers are compounded by cultural and linguistic discontinuities that can reduce acceptability and feasibility—and, when poorly addressed, may lead to unintended consequences that conflict with families’ priorities. This chapter examines theoretical foundations and empirical evidence relevant to implementing ABA in resource-constrained LMICs. We emphasize how workforce shortages, culturally grounded adaptation, and system-level resource constraints interact in practice. We also review delivery models that integrate caregiver-led interventions, community-embedded partnerships, and technology-facilitated training and supervision. Finally, we propose practical, policy-relevant recommendations aimed at culturally responsive, ethically sound, and economically sustainable services that build local capacity and improve long-term outcomes for individuals with autism, other developmental disabilities, and their families.