A Blog brought to you by Eastside ABA
Myths and Truths of ABA
There are a lot of myths and stigma around Applied Behavior Analysis. Many people don’t understand what it is or how it can help, and in some circles it has a bad wrap. Our goal here is to help dispel some of the misinformation while ensuring that we validate the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
The evidence-based practices developed from the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis have been used to help children and adults alike in learning new skills, increasing communication, and overcoming addictive or dangerous behaviors. The field has changed tremendously in the 50 plus years since its debut.
We believe it is important to acknowledge that in that time the field has not been without its faults and wrongdoings as we strive to bridge the gap between its history and a promising future. To be the trusted source of information and inspiration for neurodivergent individuals and their families we aim to be, it is first necessary to acknowledge a few things.
The first being that ABA therapy as it is commonly done, is not for everyone. Like every diabetic person does not need insulin, every neurodivergent person does not need ABA, particularly as it is traditionally used. An unnecessary treatment, no matter how well intended, has the capability of causing harm.
Second, we understand that many people have had bad, and in some cases, harmful, experiences with ABA. Our goal is not to invalidate these experiences, but to have them inform our approach and interventions to ensure the services we provide are valuable to those we serve.
The last several years have seen a shift in the field towards a client centered and assent-based approach. It is our mission to remain on the forefront of these changes, basing our services on neurodivergent voices and experiences, while ensuring that we use the most recent evidenced-based practices.
Unfortunately the history of ABA has led to a general sense of mistrust of the field and its practitioners. Families are often discouraged from seeking treatment and neurodivergent individuals are often unaware that the principles can be helpful and applied without committing to several hours a week.
We believe that ignoring the history of ABA and the negative experiences of individuals does little to move the field forward and only services to further prevent the accessibility of services to those most in need.
We welcome and maintain open communication with neurodivergent individuals about their prior experiences and about what is important to them. What we have learned is that forced compliance and masking are the biggest complaints.
Like everyone else, our clients want the freedom to be themselves, they want agency, and the ability to agree to treatment, we are happy to provide that.
Some of our clients have requested help with navigating relationships, reading social cues, and body language. Others are more interested in learning how to prioritize tasks and manage their time, or to live independently.
Our younger clients may be here to increase their communication or learn to self-regulate rather than to hurt themselves or others.
Whatever the reason, we strive to create individualized interventions that are developmentally appropriate. Our job is always to work ourselves out of a job and make ourselves unnecessary, allowing the client to be as independent as possible in their environment.
We are excited to welcome you on this journey with us as we further explore navigating life with neurodivergency.
For information about our services please email info@eastsideaba.com