Candidate Information for President Elect |
Lauren Chapman |
Biography With over 20 years of experience in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, Lauren Chapman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Since becoming a BCBA in 2011, Lauren has worked across schools, clinics, homes, community settings, and online platforms in both Australia and the UK. She has supervised aspiring BCBAs, contributed to service development, supported NDIS audit processes, and played a key role in launching early intervention services, including a regional clinic and inclusive preschool. As a parent to an autistic child, Lauren is deeply committed to a neuro affirming, compassionate application of ABA that prioritises autonomy, relationships, and real-world outcomes. She is passionate about shifting public perceptions, strengthening the professional standing of behaviour analysis in Australia, and promoting ABA as a valid and ethical allied health discipline. Known for her approachable and relatable style, Lauren has a talent for bridging technical knowledge with parent-friendly communication and building strong collaborative partnerships—particularly within the education sector. She is a confident communicator, an advocate for family-centred practice, and a strong believer in continuous learning, equity, and the power of respectful, evidence-based support to create lasting, meaningful change. |
Candidate Statement I am seeking the role of President of ABAA with a clear and passionate vision: to elevate the field of Behaviour Analysis in Australia to its rightful place as a valued, ethical, and neuro affirming allied health profession. With over 18 years of experience in disability support, behaviour therapy, and parent coaching—alongside my role as a parent to an autistic child—I have witnessed both the profound benefits and the unjust challenges faced by our field. Despite the evidence base, ABA continues to be misunderstood, misrepresented, and, at times, slandered. It is time for a strong, unified response. My mission is to lead ABAA toward national recognition as a peak professional body—respected alongside Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology. I will advocate for formal registration with AHPA and work to embed ABA within the broader allied health landscape. I want to see our field not only defend its relevance but define its role with pride, clarity, and integrity. We must also focus on community education—reframing ABA through a modern, person-centred lens that values autonomy, diversity, and lived experience. A large part of my commitment is to dismantle outdated narratives and replace them with inclusive, evidence-based messaging that reflects the progressive, ethical practices many of us already deliver. We are not just here to advocate for our clients; we must also advocate for ourselves—as professionals, researchers, and passionate agents of change. If elected, I will prioritise visibility, collaboration, and growth to ensure our collective voice is heard and respected across all levels of policy, practice, and public discourse. Together, we can raise ABA in Australia—proudly, ethically, and with the recognition it deserves. |