Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Professionals at the Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS)
1
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Saúde, Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde – IMS CAT-UFBA, Vitória da Conquista - BA, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) in Vitória da Conquista, Brazil, serves more than 3,500 users, 37.7% of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), within a context of professional understaffing and training gaps. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach for structured and intensive interventions; however, its application in interdisciplinary CAPS settings remains insufficiently systematized. This training program was developed to qualify the team in the use of ABA for crisis management, functional assessment, and interdisciplinary care.
METHODS:
The course was conducted between October 2 and November 27, 2025, with a total workload of four hours, divided between interactive lectures and practical activities. Strategic topics included interdisciplinarity, ABA principles, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), crisis management, communication with families and care networks, and ethical aspects. Active learning methodologies were employed, including case studies, group dynamics, and ethical dilemma worksheets based on real CAPS situations.
RESULTS:
The training expanded the technical repertoire of the team, strengthening understanding of ABA principles and the application of FBA in daily practice. Increased interdisciplinary integration, standardization of crisis protocols, and improved functional behavior documentation were observed. Reusable materials, such as a technical handbook and case-study worksheets, were developed and incorporated into the institution’s permanent education resources.
CONCLUSIONS:
ABA training proved to be an effective strategy for improving the quality of child and adolescent mental health care within CAPS, aligning evidence-based practices with the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) guidelines. Institutionalization of this training within permanent education plans, replication in other CAPS units, and articulation with municipal management are recommended to expand its impact across the Psychosocial Care Network.
The Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) in Vitória da Conquista, Brazil, serves more than 3,500 users, 37.7% of whom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), within a context of professional understaffing and training gaps. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach for structured and intensive interventions; however, its application in interdisciplinary CAPS settings remains insufficiently systematized. This training program was developed to qualify the team in the use of ABA for crisis management, functional assessment, and interdisciplinary care.
METHODS:
The course was conducted between October 2 and November 27, 2025, with a total workload of four hours, divided between interactive lectures and practical activities. Strategic topics included interdisciplinarity, ABA principles, Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), crisis management, communication with families and care networks, and ethical aspects. Active learning methodologies were employed, including case studies, group dynamics, and ethical dilemma worksheets based on real CAPS situations.
RESULTS:
The training expanded the technical repertoire of the team, strengthening understanding of ABA principles and the application of FBA in daily practice. Increased interdisciplinary integration, standardization of crisis protocols, and improved functional behavior documentation were observed. Reusable materials, such as a technical handbook and case-study worksheets, were developed and incorporated into the institution’s permanent education resources.
CONCLUSIONS:
ABA training proved to be an effective strategy for improving the quality of child and adolescent mental health care within CAPS, aligning evidence-based practices with the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) guidelines. Institutionalization of this training within permanent education plans, replication in other CAPS units, and articulation with municipal management are recommended to expand its impact across the Psychosocial Care Network.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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