Why is ABA controversial?
Some autistic adults report that ABA caused them harm. Behavior analysts say today's ABA differs from what those adults experienced. You'll find both sides below with their sources, followed by questions for judging any provider.
The critique and the clinical perspective
According to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, ABA training uses rewards and punishments so autistic people act less autistic. The group says this can cause harm. Source information comes from Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Aversives used in ABA have included pain, restraint and removing belongings, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network says. The group also says trauma from ABA has been reported by many autistic adults. Source information comes from Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
CMS notes a concern shared by some autistic people and advocacy groups: adults set ABA goals that push children to hide autistic traits. From: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Beginning in the 1980s and 1990s, ABA began shifting from rigid drills toward teaching that fits naturally into everyday activities and centers the person. From: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
All BCBAs and BCaBAs are required to follow the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. Source: Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
As the BACB Ethics Code requires, behavior analysts must check if a treatment could cause harmful side effects. Source information comes from Behavior Analysis in Practice (via PubMed Central).
Questions for any ABA provider
- Can I watch sessions at any time, either in person or by video?
- Which person sets the goals, and how do you include what my child wants?
- When my child says no or feels upset, what do you do?
- Do you ever punish a child or hold them down? When?
- For stimming that doesn't hurt anyone, such as rocking or hand-flapping, what's your approach?
- How often will I meet with the behavior analyst, and what method is used to measure progress?
Calm, clear answers are a good sign. A provider who won't let you watch is a reason to keep looking. So is one who wants to stop harmless stimming only because it looks different.
Understanding what ABA is
The typical session, the people who do the work and the usual number of hours.
Find providers you can interview
With the provider's phone number on every list, you can ask these questions before booking.