ABA Switzerland welcomes national regulation but calls for clarity, inclusivity, and alignment with international best practice.
In early 2025, the Swiss Federal Council (Bundesrat) released a draft ordinance on “Intensive Early Intervention (IFI) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” for public consultation — a process that allows professional associations, cantons, and experts to provide formal feedback before the law is finalised.
This represents a major step in shaping national standards for early intervention in Switzerland. For the first time, the federal government seeks to define minimum duration and intensity, require scientifically recognised, evidence-based methods, and establish clear quality and supervision criteria.
ABA Switzerland’s response (You can read it on pp. 219–241) supports the initiative, but highlights concerns and recommends:
• Explicit recognition of ABA as a scientifically validated intervention model;
• Inclusion of all qualified professionals (BCBAs, QABAs, IBAs, psychologists, educators) working within a behaviour-analytic framework; and
• Alignment with international standards to ensure ethical practice, proper supervision, and equitable access across cantons.
We cautioned that unclear qualification criteria, the 20 % medical staffing rule, and undefined funding mechanisms could unintentionally restrict access to quality intervention.
