Leading text on autism to be translated into Hindi

The new translation of the book -- Parents' Education as Autism Therapists -- will provide a useful introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for parents and professionals working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in India.

The book's co-editor is Dr Karola Dillenburger from Queen's University Belfast's School of Education, who is also ABA consultant at the Applied Behaviour Academy in Bangalore.

ABA is the application of the science of behaviour analysis to socially relevant behaviours. When used for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ABA-based treatments are individually tailored, child centered, and can produce remarkable results.

Dr Dillenburger said: "There are over 1 billion people in India and, at a conservative estimate, approximately one in 150 people are affected by autism. The key to effective treatment is to diagnose the condition as early as possible and provide early intensive behavioural intervention based on ABA. For the past four decades, ABA has provided a basis for effective treatment across the world, and now this book will help parents in India who want to become educated as ABA therapists for their own children.

"Aimed at enhancing people's lives in ways that they or their carers feel are important, ABA forms that scientific bases for a wide range of methods and techniques to promote a full range of skills. It can help break down barriers to learning that isolate individuals diagnosed with autism, allow them to reach their full potential, and consequently enhances inclusion."

The translation of the book into Hindi, alongside the translation of Simple Steps, an innovative multi-media guide to ABA, has been organised by Smita Awasthi, President of the Association for Behavior Analysis in India, who is an external research student at Queen's. Following her first visit to Belfast in January, Smita said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Belfast. I am impressed with the commitment of professionals and parents to bring evidence-based interventions based on the science of ABA to families affected by autism."

Currently being translated, the Hindi edition of Parents' Education as Autism Therapists will be available from October 2012. SIMPLE STEPS: The multimedia ABA Autism Training Box will also be translated into Hindi.

Further information is available at: http://www.peatni.org