Episode 255: Behaviour Analysis in Bulgaria with Zornitsa Ivanova , M.A., BCBA

About this episode

Zornitsa Ivanova discusses her journey in behaviour analysis and the development of autism services in Bulgaria.

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, I speak with Zornitsa Ivanova, the first board certified behaviour analyst living and working in Bulgaria. Zornitsa shares her journey from special education and child psychology into applied behaviour analysis (ABA), and what it has been like introducing evidence-based autism intervention in a country where the field barely existed a decade ago. From translating ABA resources into Bulgarian to helping train the next generation of practitioners, Zornitsa is helping build the foundation for behaviour analysis in Eastern Europe. If you’re interested in global behaviour analysis, autism services, or the international expansion of ABA, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what it takes to grow a field from the ground up. This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/MDgZN7MROEY Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html Program brochure…

People in this episode

Host: Ben Reiman

Guest: Zornitsa Ivanova

Topics covered

• behaviour analysis
• autism intervention
• Bulgaria
• applied behaviour analysis
• global behaviour analysis
• education
• cultural diversity

Keywords

• behaviour analysis
• autism
• Bulgaria
• evidence-based intervention
• special education
• child psychology
• ABA
• international expansion

Sponsors

Western University

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Western University, Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program, CBA/CPD, QABA, IBAO, BACB

More episodes of Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

• What Are You Willing to Lose? Settler Colonialism and Reconciliation with Dr. Tibetha Kemble · June 12, 2026 · 1h 12m
• From Invisibility To Belonging: When Indigenous Students Finally Feel Seen with Mikala Chee, Sanoe Rapozo, and Abbey Woldt · June 5, 2026 · 1h 37m
• Beyond the 5.83%: Advancing Black Representation in ABA with Dr. Danielle Jeudy and Dr. Jewel Parham · May 29, 2026 · 1h 26m
• Why ABA Systems Break (and How to Fix Them) with Michael Conteh, BCBA, SSBB, PCC · May 26, 2026 · 1h 16m
• Beyond Compliance: Supporting Children Across Cultures with ABA and PBS with Dianna Yip, M.Ed., BCBA · May 22, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Culturally Responsive Autism Support in Indigenous Communities with Dr. Candi Running Bear, Dr. Davis E. Henderson, and Dr. Olivia Lindly · May 15, 2026 · 1h 2m