Behaviour analysis in Ireland

Abstract

Behaviour analysis became part of academic psychology on the island of Ireland from the late 1970s with the establishment of the Behaviour Analysis in Ireland (BAI) group. Teaching and researching in the science of behaviour analysis have continued and developed in the universities since that time, with researchers based in Ireland contributing substantially to internationally recognised research. In recent years, there was a growth in schools based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for children with autism, and also in the use of positive behaviour support in intellectual disability services. Over the period that behaviour analysis has developed in Ireland and the discipline has become much more widespread internationally. The growth has been largely driven by demand for schools based on ABA and has also resulted in many new national organisations to support the science and profession of behaviour analysis, particularly in Europe. Influenced by these changes and with the aim of supporting professional ...