Why ABA is so damaging

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) was once considered the "gold standard" “treatment” for autism, but many autistic adults and advocates argue it causes significant psychological harm. This is especially true given how autism cannot and does not need to be treated at all.

ABA's main goal is to make autistic children appear "normal" by stopping natural autistic behaviours like stimming, and teaching them to behave like neurotypicals. This teaches autistic children that their natural way of being is wrong and that they must conform to neurotypical standards, even when those autistic behaviours aren't harmful to themselves or others.

By rewarding "appropriate" behaviour and punishing or ignoring "inappropriate" responses, ABA teaches children to mask their authentic selves. Research shows that masking is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation in autistic adults.

Numerous autistic adults report developing PTSD which they link to the ABA therapy they had in their childhood. The intensive nature, often 40 hours per week, combined with methods that ignore a child's distress, boundaries, and communication attempts, can be deeply traumatising.

Children learn their voice and opinion doesn't matter, which not only causes them emotional damage, but increases their vulnerability, reducing any motivation to communicate their feelings, which could include safeguarding/abuse disclosures.

ABA often treats autistic behaviours as meaningless problems to eliminate rather than valid forms of communication. Stimming, for instance, is an essential way to self-regulate. Removing these coping mechanisms, without teaching alternatives, leaves children unable to manage overwhelming sensory experiences.

Instead of trying to "fix" autistic children, approaches that accept neurodiversity like occupational therapy, speech therapy focused on ALL forms of communication, and respectful support help autistic people thrive as themselves, not as imitations of neurotypical people.

For more information on how to make sure you are supporting your children to be their authentic selves, check out our paperbacks! Full of support and ideas to help you help your children shine as who they truly are ❤️

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