Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a highly controversial form of therapy in some autistic communities. Some even claim it is dangerous. This posting will attempt to present a balanced view.
What is ABA? ABA is an applied form of behavioral analysis based on a philosophy called radical behavioralism conceived by B.F. Skinner. Classical behavioralism started in 1913 with John B. Watson's paper "Psychology as the Behavioralist Views It," in which he argued that psychology should focus on observable behaviors. In the 1960's Skinner included thoughts, feelings, and other private events as behavior, something that Watson would have objected to.
Now the controversy. Medical News today presents a very balanced view of ABA click here for that article. At the forefront against ABA is the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). For ASAN's viewpoint click here. The European Counsil of Autistic People has issued a similar statement. Click here to read. There is a post on Reddit that presents a different view. Click here for that post. Also an article published in the peer reviewed publication Autism in 2023 expressed similar information.
In conclusion, ABA may result in abuse if employed in certain ways, but it is an an evidenced-based therapy modality and can be used ethically.
On the other hand some disagree with the critics. Leaf, et al. states that all forms of abuse should be taken seriously, but ABA essentially results in positive outcomes. Others have published similar results (Schuck, et al, Schuck, et al, Dawson, Franz, & Brandson, Mathur, Renz, & Tarbox, and Allen, et al.
