Like I mentioned in my last post, I want to try to dispel some misconceptions people have about ABA.
One thing I keep reading, by parents who hate ABA and also those with autism who hate ABA, is this idea that ABA is for “autistic people”, and it treats them like machines, or like animals.
No, no, no. This could not be further from the truth. ABA is all around us! The principles of behavior are what make ALL of us operate.
If you have ever scratched an itch- you just employed negative reinforcement.
If you have ever been paid to do a job- you just received positive reinforcement.
If you have ever stretched your muscles- that was automatic reinforcement.
If you have ever gotten a speeding ticket- that’s positive punishment.
If you have ever been grounded or put on time out- that’s negative punishment.
Do you see what I mean?? The principles of behavior are constantly around us. All of our behavior is shaped by our environment. Everybody’s is!
When you’re driving in the rain, you turn the windshield wipers on.
When it’s hot and sunny, you put sunscreen on.
When it’s too loud, you cover your ears.
When you don’t feel well, you take medicine.
When you want to go on the internet, you turn your computer on.
Our behavior is a direct result of our environment. And, our environment includes our bodies as well.
The difference between what I’m talking about here and what people with autism experience is just a matter of intensity and structure. Okay, so not all of us have 2 hour sessions, 5 days a week, specifically carved out for ABA. But, the principles are the same. We are operating under the same concepts, constantly.
ABA is not something robotic or mechanical; at least it shouldn’t be. ABA sessions should be utilizing the person’s natural environment to have them come into contact with new contingencies. (ie: If I ask for “more”, I will get more cookie. If I scream and cry for more, I will not get more cookie). It can also be contriving their environment in order to come into contact with new contingencies. (ie: If the cookie jar is too high up I can ask for “help” and get help. If I bang on the cabinets over and over, I will not get help).
For those that hate the principles of behavior analysis….I challenge you to live a day without them. (Spoiler alert: It can’t be done.)
Perhaps it’s the just methods of a particular practitioner that you hate, in which case, I suggest you find a provider who better meets your needs. There are good clinicians out there. As Priority ABA says on their website, “When done correctly, ABA will maximize a child’s ability to express their own personality and preferences by teaching them the skills they need to communicate, play, and otherwise enjoy life.”
theautismonion.com 
Well said.
Perhaps you should be concerned with how you can influence change within your field considering the accounts of abuse and trauma autistic individuals have experienced. It’s not the responsibility of victims to potentially subject themselves to abuse; it should be the responsibility of perpetrators to modify their behaviors.
Agreed. I hope that anyone malpracticing ABA is reprimanded.