ABA Center Guatemala

ABA Center Guatemala

Guatemala City, Guatemala

ABA Center Guatemala is making waves in Latin America, bringing compassionate, values-driven behavior analysis to families and professionals across the region. At the heart of it all are Andrea, Clarita, and Ana—three clinicians who have not only shaped the culture of their own clinic but are also opening doors for Spanish-speaking professionals to access high-quality Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) training.
Like so many teams that have embraced PFA-SBT, their journey started with a simple goal: to do better. “We knew there had to be a better way—one that truly centered the learner’s needs,” Andrea shared. That search led them to FTF Behavioral Consulting, where they jumped into mentorship with Matthew Carbone, Alexandra Beckwith, and Shana Rodriguez. They worked hard to refine their skills, build confidence, and ultimately earn their Level 6 PFA-SBT credentials.
But they didn’t stop there. They began implementing PFA-SBT while seeking support to ensure they maintained integrity in their approach. Along the way, they helped schools introduce the Universal Protocol, guided caregivers through the Balance and Sleep Treatment programs, and mentored a growing community of professionals eager to learn. “The energy in our sessions is contagious—everyone shows up ready to support each other and their learners,” Clarita explained.
Their impact has reached well beyond Guatemala. The team has worked together to translate key PFA-SBT resources into Spanish, breaking down language barriers so more professionals across Latin America can access these tools. Ana has taken this a step further by launching the first-ever Level 4 PFA-SBT course in Spanish as an FTF Fellow, providing in-depth training to professionals from Central America to Chile. “When we teach in Spanish, we’re not just translating words—we’re making sure the concepts resonate culturally,” Ana emphasized.
Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. Misinformation about ABA, financial barriers, and a lack of insurance coverage have all been hurdles. But instead of letting those roadblocks stop them, they’ve tackled them head-on—inviting others to observe their work, training practicum students to expand access, and even bringing Dr. Greg Hanley to Guatemala for a two-day workshop.
Through it all, Andrea, Clarita, and Ana have stayed focused on what matters most: supporting learners and families with approaches that are safe and respectful. Their advice to others? “Stay open to learning, seek mentorship, and always lead with compassion.” Thanks to their work, ABA Center Guatemala continues to push the field forward, making meaningful change for families across Latin America.
About ABA Center Guatemala
ABA Center Guatemala was founded a decade ago to provide high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children with autism and their families. Over time, it has grown into a collaborative, multidisciplinary team with expertise in ABA, Psychomotricity, Counseling, Social Skills Development, and Educational Support. Together, they provide compassionate, evidence-based services tailored to each child’s unique needs.
While the team had already helped many families, they realized they needed better tools to support those experiencing severe problem behavior. In 2022, their mentor and former supervisor reintroduced them to PFA-SBT, giving them exactly what they needed to take their work to the next level.
Today, ABA Center Guatemala is not just a trusted provider of services—it’s also a hub for training and mentorship across Latin America. Whether you’re a family looking for support or a professional eager to learn more about PFA-SBT, you can connect with them at ABA Center Guatemala.