Hello everyone, my name is Megumi Nontani. As a clinical supervisor and lecturer, I am looking forward to meeting many people in Japan through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

I first encountered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in a classroom management class at the University of Oregon in the United States. I then worked at Easterseals Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii, for approximately 17 years until November 2020, providing early intervention for children ages 0-3, an after-school program, and an adult day program. In the adult program, I incorporated various ABA strategies I learned at university. However, in order to handle more difficult cases, I decided to study ABA again in earnest. I trained as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at the clinic for children and students with autism at the same workplace, and then obtained my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. After working as a clinical supervisor at the clinic, which serves clients ranging from 1 year old to 22 years old, I returned to Japan in November 2020.

In the United States and Canada, ABA therapy for children and students with autism is covered by insurance. Public schools also provide support using ABA if approved. ABA awareness has increased in Japan compared to 20 years ago, when I first encountered it. However, there are still few early intervention settings using ABA in practice, and I feel that understanding of ABA itself is low. I would like to continue learning together with you all so that practical ABA can be spread throughout Japan.

Megumi Nonya, Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

University of Oregon, College of Education, Department of Special Education, Master's degree

Completed the Florida Institute of Technology course to obtain a BCBA degree

She worked at Easterseals Hawaii for 17 years, first as a program manager in the adult program, then as a clinical supervisor at the clinic for children and students with autism after training as an RBT.