Why do so many autistic adults oppose the use of ABA?

Most autistic people who have been treated using ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) don’t support its use.

This can be confusing for parents in the U.S., who are often told that ABA is the “gold standard” for autism therapy. This is not the case everywhere - in the U.K., for example, ABA is not considered an important part of treatment for most autistic children.

Understanding autistic people’s perspectives on this subject can make us better advocates for our own children, and can help us think critically about what best practice looks like in therapy.

Autistic Perspectives on ABA

• Autistic Experiences of Applied Behavior Analysis

• Autism Is Not "Behavioral" - Cal Montgomery

• Is ABA really “Dog Training for Children?” - Neuroclastic

• Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis - Henny Kupferstein

• A Challenge to Autism Professionals - Ido Kedar

• Autistic BCBA Speaks About ABA Controversy

• The Judge Rotenberg Center and the movement to outlaw full-body electrical shock harnesses

• Autism and Behaviorism - Alfie Kohn

• Let’s Talk ABA - Kaishawna Fleming