About US
The Somali Behaviour Analysis Association (SBAA) was created to bring people together around a shared goal: making behavioural science more accessible, relevant, and responsive to Somali communities.
We are a growing community of professionals, students, families, researchers, and community members interested in behaviour analysis and related areas. Our work focuses on education, collaboration, professional development, research, and community engagement.
At SBAA, we believe that good practice starts with understanding the people and communities we work with. Culture, language, family, values, and lived experiences all matter.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote ethical, evidence-based, and culturally responsive behavioural practices within Somali communities. We want to make behaviour analysis more accessible and relevant to the individuals, families, and communities we work with.
We aim to increase awareness of behaviour analysis, support professionals and students in the field, connect people with resources and opportunities, and encourage collaboration and research that reflects the needs of Somali communities.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Somali individuals and families can access behavioural and developmental support that is evidence-based, culturally responsive, and relevant to their needs.
We also envision greater representation of Somali voices in behaviour analysis—as professionals, researchers, educators, advocates, and leaders.
Through education, collaboration, research, and community engagement, we aim to help build a field that better reflects and responds to the communities it serves.
What we do
Education & Awareness
We create educational opportunities and share resources to help individuals, families, and professionals better understand behaviour science and related topics.
Professional Development
We create opportunities for students and professionals to learn, connect, share experiences, and grow within the field.
Community Engagement
We work to create conversations around topics that matter to Somali families and communities, while making behaviour analysis easier to understand and access.
Research & Knowledge Sharing
We support opportunities to learn more about the experiences and needs of Somali communities and encourage research that can help inform better practice.
Collaboration
We connect with professionals, organizations, educators, researchers, and community groups to share knowledge and build meaningful partnerships.
Advocacy
We support greater awareness, representation, and culturally responsive practice within behaviour analysis and related services.
What Matters to Us
We believe behavioural support should be informed by research and grounded in the science of behaviour.
Culture
Culture is an important part of how people understand themselves, their families, and their communities. We want cultural considerations to be part of the conversation—not an afterthought.
Ethical Practice
People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We support approaches that consider individual needs, autonomy, rights, and quality of life.
Collaboration
No single person or profession has all the answers. We value the knowledge and experiences of families, individuals, professionals, students, and community members.
Representation
Representation matters. We want to create more opportunities for Somali professionals and students to be visible, connected, and involved in the field.
Why SBAA?
Every partnership, educational initiative, and professional connection helps expand access to evidence-based behavioural services for Somali individuals and families.
SBAA started from a recognition that there is a need for more culturally relevant conversations around behaviour analysis and behavioural support within Somali communities.
Families may face challenges understanding services, finding culturally responsive providers, or knowing where to turn for reliable information. At the same time, Somali students and professionals may have limited opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences and interests.
We want SBAA to help create that connection.
Our goal isn't to speak for every Somali family or assume that everyone has the same experience. Instead, we want to create a space where people can learn, ask questions, share perspectives, and help shape the conversation.
Join the Community
Whether you are a behaviour analyst, student, parent, caregiver, educator, researcher, allied professional, or simply someone interested in learning more, we welcome you to connect with SBAA.
There is still a lot to learn, build, and improve—and we believe that doing it together makes the work stronger.
