Addressing Concerns About ABA
Recorded in 2023
For over 50 years, intervention methods informed by the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been empirically researched and clinically implemented for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Despite the plethora of evidence for the effectiveness of ABA-based interventions, some autism rights and neurodiversity activists have expressed concerns with ABA-based interventions. Concerns have included discontent with historical events, issues with assent, issues with behavior analytic procedures, issues with what we are teaching, ableism, masking, and possible harm that we are causing. These concerns are continually being raised and discussed in various platforms (e.g., social media, conferences, and in peer-reviewed papers). The purpose of this panel is to examine some of the expressed concerns about ABA-based intervention and suggest productive ways of moving forward to provide the best outcomes for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The panelist members provide opinion from a variety of different perspectives (e.g., behavior analysts, clinicians, autistic adults).
Learning Objectives:
1. At the end of the presentation participants will describe the risks of ABA critics
2. At the end of the presentation participants will identify strategies for appropriately responding to ABA critiques
3. At the end of the presentation participants will describe strategies for continuous improvement and innovation in research and clinical practice
