What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) has been a bone of contention in the autistic community for years. ABA therapy has birthed not only anecdotes of success, but also stories of horror.
At the heart of Applied Behavioral Analysis is behaviorism. The primary goal of ABA, ever since its invention in the early 1900s, is to “shape a desired behavior or response” in individuals with autism. ABA is also one of the more time-consuming therapies, calling for 25-40 hours of commitment per week.
When Applied Behavioral Analysis was first developed, the use of negative reinforcements, like physical and verbal punishments, was allowed. Fortunately, ABA has since changed significantly. Over the years, the practice has gravitated towards the use of positive reinforcements, like praises, over negative reinforcements.
Still, a recent overturning of an FDA ban on shock devices has stirred up some old fears concerning ABA. Nonetheless, we would like to turn these moments of hardship into meaningful lessons and to spread awareness for autism.
Controversy around Applied Behavioral Analysis
“ABA starts off on the wrong foot”, some would say.
ABA therapy typically begins with an intake process. At this stage, therapists observe the autistic individual’s engagement with their surroundings and identify certain “problematic” traits.
But problematic to whom? A study published in 2021 documented how a number of autistic individuals had perceived their experience with ABA. These neuroatypical participants recounted being forced to communicate in a neurotypical manner, which only made interactions more grueling to them.
Naturally, there are concerns that some ABA therapists are promoting conformity in the name of integration.
Autistic children sometimes behave in ways that appear “odd” to the neurotypical society due to their unique thought process. Oftentimes, these actions are not physically or emotionally harmful to those around. Nevertheless, these behaviors are targeted for “correction” due to their deviating from neurotypical norms.
Even the most homogeneous societies find in themselves differences. Most in the autistic community agree that integration is crucial, but integration through self-loathing is no integration at all. This controversy reminds us that Integration is not the forceful shaping of a person to fit one mold, but rather the compassionate expansion of one’s self to work with differences.
Delivery Matters
Despite the troubling origins and methodologies of Applied Behavioral Analysis, some autistic individuals have found success in the therapy. Their personal experience with ABA sheds light on a complex and nuanced element of therapy: delivery.
While most ABA therapists share the same aim of encouraging or discouraging certain behaviors, their means of doing so can vary greatly. Some members of the autistic community conveyed positive sentiments towards ABA and it was all thanks to their therapists.
Let’s look at it as such…
Engaging in certain spontaneous physical behaviors, like hopping back and forth, in a crowded area is, without a doubt, dangerous. It is important to note that these actions are not just potentially injurious to those around, but also to the child themselves.
It is reasonable to address these behaviors due to the safety concerns that they pose. However, some ABA therapists may attempt to deter children with ASD from these actions by simply labelling these actions as “not desirable”. They may also choose to focus on the injuries others could sustain over the well-being of the autistic child.
The truth is, these actions tend to be driven by thoughts that occur naturally to them. Unexplained dismissal against these actions can easily be internalized as a negative evaluation of them as a person. Some ABA therapists understand this and disrupt the internalization through detailed clarification and explanation.
Not all ABA therapists have the same education and initiative for their career. A qualified and empathetic therapist can prevent trauma and help children with autism progress in life.
Autism Resources
Do you want to be the hands that shelter autistic children? Do you want to be the voice that calls for inclusion? Knowledge is the precursor to change. One of the key missions of Autism Today is to provide the world with valuable autism resources.
This is why we created Exceptional Resources.
Life is hectic, but the world of autism is vast. Parents and educators of ASD individuals should not have to visit a hundred different sites to get what they need. On Exceptional Resources, you will find everything you need to take care of those with autism.
Check out Exceptional Resources today and help yourself to autism resources of premium quality.
