Applied Behavior Analysis in Mexico: Efforts and Challenges in Public Policy, Advocacy, and Autism Intervention

Behavior analysis has a long tradition in academic institutions in Mexico. However, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) remains an underdeveloped component of public policies in healthcare, education, and welfare. This paper aims to assess the current state of ABA in Mexico, including its practice, recognition, regulation, and integration into public policies. An overview of the Mexican healthcare and education systems is provided as ABA services should be integrated into these structures. There is a specific focus on the management of developmental disabilities (DD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for which ABA has been historically used. Recent advancements in Mexican legislation regarding the protection of people with DD and ASD and their right to receive effective attention and treatment are discussed. Also discussed are recent efforts for the creation of a professional association aimed at recognizing the effectiveness of ABA when designing empirically validated interventions. The potential impact of ABA services on public policies regarding healthcare and education in Mexico is highlighted. Finally, challenges are identified and recommendations are made to expand the reach of ABA in Mexico.