Q

Is ABA Therapy Harmful?

With ABA being recommended early upon receiving an ASD diagnosis, parents of young autistic children are often faced with the challenge of seeking ABA therapy providers in their areas. And while some may be aware of ABA therapy criticism, others may find that their internet search of ABA therapy has left them questioning, “is ABA bad?” If ABA therapy is the gold-standard, why is ABA controversial?

A

Answered by

Encore Support Services

ABA therapy controversy stems from the early days of ABA within a therapeutic context. Much like other allied fields, such as medicine and psychology, the history of ABA is plagued by historical accounts of harmful practices.

However, unlike allied fields, the dark history of harmful practices is not buried in as many years of helpful practices. In fact, many adults who received ABA therapy in their childhood have come forward sharing their experiences – and many report that ABA therapy was a traumatic experience. This means that the harms associated with ABA are alive and real. 

ABA therapy has become the most popular treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it is known as the gold-star treatment for ASD recommended by primary care physicians and funded by insurance companies in all 50 states of the U.S.A. ABA is a learning-based therapy that works by explicitly teaching skills that will enhance quality of life including communication, social, and independent living skills. ABA also aims to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning or that reduce quality of life by posing risk or danger to the person themselves or those around them. For many young children diagnosed with autism, ABA therapy is the first-line treatment recommended. 

Modern-day ABA practices are centered around compassion and acceptance! As a parent of an autistic child, it is important to be aware of the differences between high-quality and low-quality ABA. Harmful ABA practices can be prevented with the right knowledge and resources. For example, knowing when emphasis on use of punishment-based strategies and focus on compliance/obedience may negatively affect the client’s behaviors and relationship with therapy. 

The lists below are not exhaustive but shed light on some of the critical indicators to distinguish between quality of providers.

Low-quality ABA red flags include: 

– Heavy emphasis on punishment, including reprimands, time-out, or other harsh consequences. 

– Emphasis on goals targeting obedience or compliance. 

– Lack of concern for signs of emotional distress (e.g., seeming unhappy during therapy sessions, seeming to not enjoy going to ABA therapy). 

– Lack of communication and collaboration with family/caregivers. 

– Disregard for client’s unique interests or behaviors.

High-quality ABA green flags include:

– Emphasis on positive reinforcement (e.g., rewards, praise, fun activities) 

– Experiencing overall joy during therapy sessions. 

– Collaboration with family/caregivers in determining treatment goals and deciding on therapy structure and overall strategies to be used. 

– Respect for autonomy and preferences by incorporating choices into therapy and honoring unique interests. 

Recognizing the distinctions between helpful and harmful ABA practices is important, as low-quality ABA providers unfortunately do exist. However, noticing these flags will help you navigate ABA services and hopefully increase your confidence that your child is receiving effective ABA practices. Proper care and treatment can lead to meaningful skill growth and increased quality of life!

How Do We Stand Out? 

At Encore, we’re committed to providing a compassionate and meaningful ABA therapy experience. Our expert team creates a personalized therapeutic environment focused on achieving real, positive outcomes for your child. We blend our deep expertise with a caring approach, ensuring each session is both effective and engaging. By working closely with you, we create a supportive partnership that extends beyond the therapy room, driving meaningful progress in your child’s development. With Encore, you can feel confident that your child is receiving high-quality care tailored to their unique needs. 

Have more questions or want to learn more about how Encore can unleash your child’s potential through ABA therapy? Schedule a complimentary consultation today.