Singapore's First QASP-S: Raising the Bar for Autism Services

Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS

In 2024, our founder and Programme Director, Eugene Tng, became the first Singaporean certified as a Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor (QASP-S), credential number 15434.

It was a milestone for Eugene, and a meaningful one for ABA LABS and the families we support. It means every programme we run is overseen by someone who has met an internationally recognised standard for supervising autism services.

What Is a QASP-S?

The QASP-S is a credential issued by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA). It recognises practitioners who supervise autism-focused Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services, and the therapists who deliver them. If ABA is new to you, our article on common myths about ABA therapy is a good place to start.

Earning the credential involves:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

• Approved ABA coursework, including dedicated hours on ethics and autism-specific knowledge.

• 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, most of it in a supervisory or programme development role.

• A board exam, plus a professional recommendation and a background check.

• Ongoing accountability. Practitioners agree to QABA's Code of Ethics and renew every two years with continuing education.

Why It Matters for Families

When you choose an ABA provider, the person supervising your child's programme matters as much as the therapist in the room. The supervisor sets goals, reviews progress, adjusts the plan and coaches the team. We explain more about this in why your therapist's credentials matter.

A recognised supervisory credential gives parents something concrete to check. It shows the supervisor has been trained to a standard, has completed supervised experience, and answers to a code of ethics.

At ABA LABS, it shapes how we work. Every child's programme is designed and overseen by Eugene, and our therapists receive regular supervision so the quality your child gets is consistent from session to session. It also guides decisions like how many hours of therapy a child needs, which should always be based on your child, not a fixed package.

In Eugene's Words

When the news was shared by Behaviour Analysis Academy, Eugene said:

To everyone in our field, thank you for creating a positive impact in so many lives, your dedication and hardwork are what inspired many, including myself to pursue this journey. To all future and aspiring candidates, thank you for your contribution in this field and here's to making countless socially significant changes!

For someone who once failed his way through school, as he shared in his talk at his old secondary school, becoming the first in Singapore to earn this credential is proof that the path is rarely straight, and that it is never too late to build something that matters.

Raising the Standard in Singapore

Being the first is not the goal. The hope is that more practitioners in Singapore pursue recognised credentials, so families can expect a consistent standard of care wherever they go. It is the same reason we make time to learn from others in the region, like at the Malaysia ABA Conference 2025.

This milestone is one of several proud moments for ABA LABS, alongside being named Best in Home-Based Therapy and Developmental Support 2025. You can see them all on our News and Media page.

Getting Started With ABA LABS

If you're wondering whether ABA is right for your child, take a look at our services or read what to expect in your child's first ABA session. We're always happy to talk things through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a QASP-S?

QASP-S stands for Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor. It is a credential issued by the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA) for practitioners who supervise autism-focused ABA services and the therapists who deliver them.

What does it take to become a QASP-S?

Candidates need a bachelor's degree, approved ABA coursework that includes ethics and autism-specific content, 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork with most of it in a supervisory or programme development role, a recommendation, a background check and a passing score on a proctored exam. Certified practitioners agree to QABA's Code of Ethics and renew every two years with continuing education.

What is the difference between a QASP-S and a BCBA?

Both are ABA credentials, issued by different boards. The BCBA is issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and requires a graduate degree. The QASP-S is issued by QABA and focuses specifically on supervising autism services. What matters most for families is that the person overseeing your child's programme is properly trained, supervised and accountable to a code of ethics.

Why does my child's supervisor's credential matter?

The supervisor designs your child's programme, reviews progress and guides the therapists who work with your child day to day. A recognised credential tells you they have met a standard for training, supervised experience and ethics, and that they keep their knowledge current.

Who oversees programmes at ABA LABS?

Every ABA LABS programme is overseen by our founder and Programme Director, Eugene Tng, QASP-S. Get in touch with the ABA LABS Therapy Team to talk about your child's needs.

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Sources

• Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board. QASP-S Certification