About the Association

The Korean Association for Behavior Analysis (KABA) is the pioneering academic institution in South Korea dedicated exclusively to the field of behavior analysis. Established on July 20, 2013, KABA’s mission is to conduct rigorous scientific research and promote the effective application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals across the lifespan—from infants with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, to adults in need of behavioral support.

KABA plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities by applying evidence-based principles of ABA and Positive Behavior Support (PBS) in diverse environments, including homes, schools, residential institutions, and community-based services. These activities align closely with the mandates of the Special Education Act for People with Disabilities and the Act on the Welfare of Persons with Developmental Disabilities in South Korea.

In pursuit of its objectives, KABA provides specialized training and professional development for practitioners and experts in ABA and PBS. The Association operates a national-level private certification system for behavior analysts, and actively collaborates with international credentialing bodies. These include:

• The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which grants the globally recognized Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential
• The Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), which issues the QBA, QASP-S, and ABAT certifications

Through these partnerships, KABA ensures that behavior analysts in South Korea maintain high standards of ethical, professional, and scientific competence in line with global expectations.

As part of its academic contribution, KABA has published the peer-reviewed journal, Journal of Behavior Analysis and Support, since its inaugural issue in 2014. In 2017, the journal was selected as a candidate for the Korea Citation Index (KCI), and in 2020, it was officially indexed. As of 2023, the journal continues to be recognized for its academic quality and its contributions to research in applied behavior analysis and positive behavior support.

KABA also organizes domestic and international academic conferences, symposiums, and workshops, and actively promotes international scholarly exchange through partnerships with the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and other global organizations in the field of behavioral science.