ABA in Australia
A comprehensive guide to Applied Behavior Analysis practice, NDIS funding, credentialing transitions, and resources for Australian professionals and families.
Overview: ABA Practice in Australia
Australia has one of the strongest ABA communities outside North America, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 practicing behavior analysts and therapists across the country. The field has grown substantially since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2013, which created a dedicated funding pathway for behavioral interventions.
ABA is practiced in diverse settings across Australia, including private clinics, schools, early intervention centers, and home-based programs. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide all have multiple ABA providers, though access in regional and rural areas remains a challenge. Telehealth has helped bridge some of this gap, with many practitioners now offering remote supervision and parent training.
The Australian Association for Behaviour Analysis (AusABA) is the primary professional organization, providing networking, professional development, and advocacy. ABA is widely used as an evidence-based intervention, and the NDIS specifically lists behavior support as a fundable service category.
Australia is also at the forefront of developing its own credentialing infrastructure as the BACB winds down international certification. This transition represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Australian ABA community to establish standards that reflect local practice contexts and regulatory frameworks.
Credentialing in Australia
BACB Transition
The BACB has announced it will discontinue international certification (effective date to be confirmed with the BACB). This gives the Australian ABA community more time than some other countries to develop alternative credentialing pathways. Existing BACB certificants can maintain their credentials through their current certification cycle.
ABAT (Australian Behaviour Analysis Therapist)
The emerging ABAT credential is being developed as an Australia-specific certification for behavior analysis practitioners. This framework aims to align with Australian healthcare regulatory standards and the NDIS quality and safeguards framework. Practitioners should monitor AusABA for updates on ABAT requirements and timelines.
NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Registration
Under the NDIS, practitioners delivering behavior support must be registered through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This includes meeting competency requirements and adhering to the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework. This registration is separate from BACB certification but is required for NDIS-funded work.
IBAO Certification
The International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO) operates in 119 countries and currently offers an independent international credential. IBAO and QABA operate independently of the BACB; both are available to Australian practitioners.
QABA Credentials
QABA offers the QBA (Qualified Behavior Analyst) and ABAT (Applied Behavior Analysis Technician) credentials internationally. These are available to Australian practitioners.
Training and Education
University Programs in Australia
Several Australian universities offer programs in ABA and behavior analysis:
- Monash University - Graduate programs in developmental disability and behaviour analysis
- University of Melbourne - Postgraduate studies in positive behaviour support
- University of Wollongong - Programs in psychology with ABA focus
- Griffith University - Research and training in applied behaviour analysis
- Deakin University - Courses in developmental disability and behavioural science
Online Training from Special Learning
Special Learning offers BACB ACE Provider continuing education courses that are fully accessible from Australia. As a BACB Authorized Continuing Education provider (ACE Provider #OP-14-2437), all courses are self-paced and online, with certificates of completion.
The CE Library offers BACB Authorized Continuing Education for BCBAs and BCaBAs, including Ethics and Supervision credits. The All Access (All Access) Library provides access to the full course catalog with no restrictions on which courses you complete.
View current training options or explore the All Access.
Funding and Access
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
The NDIS is the primary public funding pathway for ABA therapy in Australia. Key details:
- ABA falls under "Improved Daily Living" or "Capacity Building" categories
- Participants need behavior support explicitly included in their NDIS plan
- Services must be delivered by a registered NDIS provider
- Funding amounts vary based on individual needs and plan goals
- Both individual therapy and group programs can be funded
- Parent training and telehealth sessions are increasingly covered
Private Health Insurance
Some Australian private health insurance plans cover allied health services that may include ABA-related services. Coverage varies significantly between insurers and plan levels. Check with your specific insurer about behavior analysis coverage.
Medicare
Medicare does not directly fund ABA therapy. However, psychologists who use ABA-informed approaches may be accessible through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides subsidized sessions through Medicare. This is not the same as comprehensive ABA programming but can provide some support.
Private Pay
Without NDIS funding, private ABA therapy costs between 80 and 180 AUD per hour depending on practitioner qualifications and location. Comprehensive programs can cost 30,000 to 70,000 AUD per year. Some families combine NDIS funding with private pay to access more intensive services.
Finding a Provider in Australia
ESBAP Directory
Search the ESBAP directory for ABA providers with independent ethical standards verification, including Australian organizations.
Additional Resources
- AusABA - Australian Association for Behaviour Analysis member directory
- NDIS Provider Finder - Search for registered behavior support providers in your area
- BACB Registry - Verify current BACB certificants in Australia (valid through transition)
What to Look For
- Current certification (BCBA, IBAO, or equivalent) and NDIS registration
- Experience with your specific needs (early intervention, school-age, adults)
- Clear supervision structure for therapy teams
- Data-driven progress reporting
- Willingness to collaborate with your NDIS coordinator and other providers
- Culturally responsive practice, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Free Resources from Special Learning
All Special Learning free tools work from Australia with no account required:
Free ABA Tools
Visual Schedule Maker, Social Story Creator, CEU Tracker, and more practical tools for daily use.
Access Free ToolsGuides and Learning
In-depth guides on ABA topics, from foundational concepts to advanced clinical strategies.
Browse GuidesLearn ABA
Structured learning paths for parents, educators, and professionals new to behavior analysis.
Start LearningV-CAT Consultation
Free 60-minute initial consultation with an expert. Works internationally via video call.
Book V-CATFrequently Asked Questions: ABA in Australia
Is ABA available in Australia?
Yes. Australia has a well-established ABA community with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 practicing behavior analysts and therapists. ABA is widely used for autism intervention, particularly through NDIS-funded programs. Major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have multiple ABA providers.
Does the NDIS cover ABA therapy in Australia?
Yes. The NDIS can fund ABA therapy as part of a participant's plan. ABA falls under "Improved Daily Living" or "Capacity Building" categories. Participants need ABA included in their plan, and a registered NDIS provider must deliver the service. The amount of funding depends on individual needs and plan goals.
What credentials do I need to practice ABA in Australia?
The BACB is discontinuing international certification (effective date to be confirmed with the BACB). The Australian Association for Behaviour Analysis (AusABA) and the emerging ABAT credential are developing local frameworks. IBAO certification (119 countries) is also recognized. Existing BACB certificants maintain credentials through their current cycle.
How much does ABA therapy cost in Australia?
Private ABA therapy typically costs between 80 and 180 AUD per hour, depending on the practitioner's qualifications and location. NDIS plans can cover these costs for eligible participants. Without NDIS funding, families may pay 30,000 to 70,000 AUD per year for a comprehensive program.
Can I use my BACB certification in Australia?
BACB certification is currently recognized in Australia, but the BACB will discontinue international certification (effective date to be confirmed with the BACB). Existing certificants can maintain credentials through their current cycle. Other credentialing bodies such as IBAO and ABAT, along with emerging Australian frameworks, also operate.
Where can I study ABA in Australia?
Australian universities offering ABA programs include Monash University, the University of Melbourne, the University of Wollongong, and Griffith University. Online training from providers like Special Learning provides BACB ACE Provider continuing education accessible from anywhere in Australia.
Start Learning Today
Special Learning's courses work from anywhere in the world. Self-paced, online BACB Authorized Continuing Education (ACE Provider #OP-14-2437).
Get Notified About New Resources
We publish new tools and guides regularly. No spam, just helpful resources.