Real-time education. She never gave up trying, never gave up offering a multitude of avenues for the young man to try his wings, never said it was too much. How about Charlie’s safety? Think for a moment how exhausted you, a grown adult, are after 40 hours of work in a week and you will begin to understand why we get so concerned about putting a three-year-old child through such a grueling schedule. In the movie theater? Charlie’s ABA therapy is play-based. Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Program. The ABA therapy that I see delivered, focus’ on fun and learning through play. This therapy that I see day in and day out prevents children from having more teeth removed because they now feel ok about teeth brushing and accessing the dentist, allows a child to feel ok about having a medical assessment without heightened anxiety and gut wrenching parental or hospital staff restraint. I spend too much time getting sucked into click-hole articles about the controversy surrounding ABA, but this is the first time I’m replying or engaging with anyone (on the internet) in regards to the topic. PRT (Pivotal Response Training) – A play based and child initiated approach. It is also a data-driven type of therapy where every therapists should be literally taking data dozens of times per hour. Mine is now in the final year of his degree and I couldn’t be prouder. Just like society at large, the autism community is not unified in their beliefs about autism. BACB Ethical Guidelines for BCBAs: https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/BACB-Compliance-Code-english_190318.pdf An autistic child grows up in a world comprised almost completely of neurotypical people, and they have to learn how to function within it. If an ABA center doesn’t run this way then you should likely look elsewhere for therapy. Copyright 2017 - All Rights Reserved. That said, it’s true that some skills learned during therapy aren’t easily applicable to real-life situations. I have watched children struggling to make friends. Photo: Mike Whitby/EyeEm/Getty Images . This was evil! The methods used to help people with autism today have changed so much since Lovaas’ initial experiments – it’s unfair that they even bear the same name. Read More. I’m not trying to “fix” Charlie’s autism. look out for such information. One man had a therapist force him to touch something he found repulsive. Charlie isn’t in ABA therapy because we want him to be normal. My son benefited from it as did I and so it is so refreshing to come across your blog. There’s nothing wrong with stimming. Now, something that bothers me is when therapists prevent the child from doing things like lining objects up. Well, we may take a preferred item away if Charlie is screaming and kicking but you’d do that with any child, wouldn’t you? I am an autistic mom with kids on the spectrum. Additionally, many different methods fall under the ABA umbrella, some of them more intrusive than others. This is interesting…it’s not up to me to decide your life…you alone are responsible for your choices, and you sound as if you are prepared to do so, with strength of conviction. You want to fade the less functional behaviors away to give them a better shot in life. She has a music degree and a “Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership”. Eileen Lamb, author of "All Across The Spectrum" and founder of The Autism Cafe, is a writer and photographer. I am now 56 and a university professor. They may want to take their child to the movie’s but the last time they did, other patrons couldn’t pay attention the movie, rude comments were made, etc. If that’s abuse then call me the biggest abuser on earth because I’m so thrilled with all it’s done for him. To me, there’s nothing wrong with stimming as long as it doesn’t get in the way of learning. For a master’s graduate, I expect master’s level performance. But, not all BCBAs, therapists, and therapy centers are great. An article by Hagopian and Boelter (2012) investigated the scientific support for ABA. Thank you for this! Sadly too many bad BCBAs, or people claiming something to be ABA that is not truly ABA, do more harm than those of us dedicated to treating individuals and their unique needs do good. Read More. “You’re torturing your child with ABA therapy” Just like society at large, the autism community is not unified in their beliefs about autism. A person who isn’t willing to speak out against a member of their profession committing torture cannot be relied upon to tell you if it’s happening to your child. The first time I mentioned ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy on my blog, it only took a few minutes before someone said to me, “you’re torturing your child with ABA therapy.” This didn’t come as a surprise. I love the bit in this where all the autistic people that have done this and hate it are just ‘crying ableism’. ABA’s ultimate goal is to help autistic people live an independent, safe, and happy life in this world – and I think that’s wonderful. Just got the book. Thousands of British children have done this for many years, I chose the two examples as they resonate with the life stage we are currently at. ABA principles are utilised in every intervention that works. The goal is to help the child continually experience success with their learned skill, in different settings and as they grow. As a result, social stories can be helpful in addressing both positive behaviors and problematic behaviors. An awesome bcba will also program for generative learning… teach cognitive flexibility. It is also used to improve attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics. Glad to hear you have had a favorable experience! If you can access it here are the references: Gardner, F., (2017). How about me as mother? My final question is always the same – if ABA is so different now, then why use a name which actually affects autistic adults with PTSD so badly that the very acronym is banned in many support groups? For your child’s safety, run.) It’s a repetitive process. Temple Grandin is one of the most well-known autism success stories talked about in the ABA community. Some sessions are less painful than others but today's was particually painful!!! Additionally, don’t hesitate to speak your mind if the therapists are doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable. If your son’s therapists are doing something that you don’t agree with, don’t be afraid to speak your mind and ask them questions. I want to tell you a story. BAD ABA and these professionals need to be held accountable!!! If it doesn’t, fine. But I could not do ABA with my son, not even the “look me in the eye” or “desk ready” beginning. I can’t … So if a learner snorts and it serves some sensory-satisfying function that causes no harm, why is the behavior trying to be reduced? Is going to Europe for the third time…just seems to make things happen in a way I never could. All the sanctimoniousness in the world means nothing if you are not willing to commit to a child, and take the chance. Point being, stimming during times and in environments that impede one’s ability to learn, socialize, and/or perform a functional task is something that needs to be looked at closely. ABA would work to train Beth’s daughter to put up with the pain and misery without complaint. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) bzw. I watch those children laughing their heads off through the session, reaching out to their therapists to initiate more interaction and to prolong play. Anyway, I’m delighted to hear you and your son are doing well. You can change someone without changing who they are. ABA rides on the theories of behaviourism, something that has been debunked in virtually every field except those in which the receivers have little choice. If we have a concern about anything, she’s available to discuss and adjust Charlie’s therapy plan. This is because she’s not a scientist. An autistic child grows up in a world comprised almost completely of neurotypical people, and they have to learn how to function within it. Hello, Will you encourage fellow BCBAs to do so? One more point, my son has never been put in restraints and I wouldn’t let it happen. In my oppinnion, if you choose the right clinic, where ABA therapy is well executed, it can be really succesful! So there is that. September 15, 2020. The research surrounding mental health has shown that when a person’s choices in life are weighted more towards doing things to gain extrinsic rewards their mental health suffers. This is an important decision that will hopefully change your child’s life for the better. Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, or ABA, is the #1 recommended therapy for children on the autism spectrum. Keep your child safe. Charlie is perfectly happy playing in the cat’s litter box. Thanks to his ABA therapists, Charlie can now communicate basic needs with an app on his iPad, called ProloQuo2go. Before we take a deeper look into the arguments on both sides, it’s important to note that like many other specialities, like psychology, ABA therapy has evolved tremendously throughout the years. Created by : Camel Design. Autonomy, the Critical Journal of Interdisciplinary Autism Studies, 1(1). I get that sickening feeling in my stomach when people tell me that I’m torturing Charlie with. Pat yourself on the back. Some of them are poorly run and the methods used are imprecise and borderline abusive. There’s a vocal community of autistics out there who like to shout ableism (discrimination in favor of neurotypical people) whenever they get the chance. If it sticks in your mind, try it. Functional Communication and Autistic Children. I would certainly like think people might be sympathetic, but I wouldn’t expect someone to shake my hand right after my fingers were in my mouth. This is not what it’s like nowadays. Ditch the Bad Therapist (a mother’s horror story) (trigger warning) When I first started this particular blog series, I had grand dreams of sharing all sorts of valuable lessons about ABA therapy. discrimination in favor of able-bodied people. The Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program is designed to produce proficient, compassionate, committed, and ethical mid-level practitioners and consultants.. While, it was difficult at first for Charlie, I’ve always felt comfortable with his therapists, I trust that they have his best interest in mind. There’s no way I could have accomplished what Charlie’s therapists did for him, on my own. The ultimate goal is to help them live an independent, safe, and happy life in this world. ABA’s ultimate goal is to help autistic people live an independent, safe, and happy life in this world – and I think that’s wonderful. Watch the whole thing. On the flip side, there is a part of me that sees how ABA therapy can sometimes be harmful to autistic people. I wouldn’t do ABA if they were trying to change Charlie’s personality. I also say it as an autistic psychologist who taught research methods and data analysis at postgraduate level for two years at his alma mater. Visit different centers and ask people to share their experience. Born in France, she now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two sons, Charlie (7) and Jude (5). How is Exercise Used in ABA For People with ASD ; How is Functional Communication Training Used in Applied Behavior Analysis? A Bcba must use reinforcement procedures… punishment can only be used under specific circumstances. I want what is best for my child but I feel blind when in comes to choosing the right therapist and such a long process that I tell myself , what if I don’t like them and I have to start over with another place? I belong to a FB group (NDIS Grassroots) where parents who chose to use this therapy with their autistic children were judged & crtiticsed by Autistic adults who have apparently been traumatised by this method. No advice, just stories. In her free time, Eileen enjoys daydreaming, and road trips. I don’t agree that ABA therapy is ableist. ABA therapy has evolved tremendously through the years. ABA Success Stories . Charlie isn’t happy either when he can’t communicate and make himself heard. If I had used ABA, things work as such I am sure it would all be attributed to that, but I attribute it to his tenacious spirit and persevering drive. (If yes, run. They might become addicted to shopping, smoking, alcohol, drugs, food etc. Removing things is literally what every parent does. You tell me what’s more ethical. More often than not, therapy is a great, healthy, wonderful — if painful — experience. We love his therapists and BCBA and you can tell they really care about him and have his best interests at heart. He’s okay…better than okay. My wife and I are so impressed! So, when goals such as functional communication and tracing/writing letters are being worked on, these stims are “competing” with responses that the goals are targeting. There was NO clinical verification of any diagnosis of either autism or PTSD. Beautiful kid of whom I’m very proud. Therapists hear these from time to time, but they are rarely talked about. I will use vocal stereotypy (i.e., non-contextual utterances that vary from snorting and grunting, to repetitive phrases unrelated to the present situation) and hand flapping as examples. On her blog, she shares the ups and downs of raising a severely autistic child while being on the autism spectrum herself. We want him to be safe, independent, and to learn to communicate, to decrease his, and yes, frustration. I would strongly recommend that any parent considering ABA for their child makes sure to ask a very important set of questions of the BCBAs: – A UN Special Rapporteur on Torture says what is done at the Judge Rotenberg Center is, in fact, torture. Something I had nothing to do with. ABA can definitely be done in a loving and kind way. If not, will you do so? You are so inspiring. Ongoing assessment: ABA therapy does not end when a goal is met. I have a feeling if I presented this question to adult autistics in general, it would be met with a backlash of “what about us? This BLOODY AWFUL therapy has given children a voice AGAIN and AGAIN so that those children without communication can advocate for themselves. ABA therapy applies these laws to behavior treatments in a way that helps to increase useful or desired behaviors. Charlie’s working on a dozen different therapy programs at any given time. I also want to advocate for the acceptance of neurodiversity instead of trying to change these non-harmful behaviors autistics often engage in. Abusive is when you cause intentional harm, professional therapy for a child who needs to learn certain skills, skills that he does not have the ability to develop on his own unlike many of us, is not abusive. She also said that a good teacher was a good teacher for all kids, not just neurotypicals. Though less and less common, that may explain some of why you sometimes hear horror stories about ABA. Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis. they might end up chasing high flying careers just for the large wage that comes with that so they can buy the big house, nice car etc., rather than the fact that they love the job, therefore they make themselves miserable but they don’t realise that the things they are chasing won’t make them happy. I walked in the child’s shoes. Where else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect Hi, I’m studying to become a BCBA and get quite down at times because of all of the negativity hurled towards ABA. They learn to do something in a specific setting and situation but then you change one component and they can’t recreate it. my brother and i have been avid readers all our lives. I love reading comments like yours. Research is beginning to emerge that shows how ABA and behaviour therapies damage mental health in the long term. Hi Jen, I have tried to find research papers on that on Google scholar, but couldn’t find any recent relevant ones. ABA Therapy is not abusive nor is it ablesit, High-functioning autism: The weight of an invisible disability, [Autism] If you never call me mommy, I will still love you just as much, https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/BACB-Compliance-Code-english_190318.pdf, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko-ip3MImik, http://autisticbride.co.uk/2019/05/24/how-the-aba-industry-supports-the-use-of-electric-shock-devices-on-autistics/. It’s from 2012, but JRC is still using GEDs today.] There are horror stories in every profession, and counseling has some too. Because you don’t like who she/he is? I have a more mitigated view on the matter than the many vocal opponents out there, and I think being autistic and having a non-verbal autistic child gives me a good perspective on the subject, one that my neurotypical husband shares. I lay the clothes out the right way round and he puts them on. Some of them are poorly run and the methods used are imprecise and borderline abusive. ABA therapy has been a huge help for Charlie, and for us. All the advocates said so, and I was angry, in a way, that she couldn’t see how evil she was. In school, hopefully the teachers will teach the other children what it means, rather than try to get Charlie to stop because the other children don’t understand it. Thank you for this post! Hi there, it was interesting to read your thoughts on ABA therapy. He did so based on principles developed by famed psychologist B.F. Skinner, found in his book, published in 1938. I’m all for listening to people and moving with the times but there is so much aggression from the haters directed towards anyone who views it positively. The environment is natural and the therapists make the children feel safe and comfortabe. Sat on the periphery with no way of navigating the complex dynamic of social interaction. No facility (or person) that condones or excuses torture like that at the Judge Rotenberg Center is safe for your child to be near. ABA and horror stories. Sure, these people may have had negative experiences as children but ABA therapy isn’t like this anymore, at least not the one Charlie does. It’s not the same as it was 60 years ago when Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas designed the first implementations of ABA to help autistic people. In her free time, Eileen enjoys daydreaming, and road trips. ABA and horror stories. The children that I see are hi-5ing me (through intrinsic reinforcement) as I walk through the door. This is one of the things that really bothers me about the mentality of other autistic adults. Could you give me the references of the most important and recent research article son that subject if you can? conversely, let’s accept that there have been lots of wrongs that have been performed in the name of aba but that we need to spend more time talking with open minds about what we want to achieve and how we are going to do that…. Also I forgot to mention that there is a strong evidence-base in the research related to mental health and intrinsic/extrinsic values that can be used to argue against reward based systems too. Like Liked by 4 people. We want to fade away the less functional and dangerous behaviors, like playing with the cats’ litter box, swallowing rocks, and running in the street, to give him a better shot at life. anxiousadvocate says: May 28, 2015 at 12:24 am. Not all BCBAs, therapists, and therapy centers are great. I spent a proportion of my career trying to help adults come out of places like this and to live a life of value – their own VALUES, safety and CHOICE! Stimming is a way to self-regulate. ABA therapy is used to increase language and communication skills. This is something difficult for a lot of children on the spectrum. I think a bit of context is necessary here. Advances in Autism, 4(1), 19–29. It’s during these times that I have interrupted stimming and redirected the learner to whatever it is we’re working on. I am a BCaBA and the misconceptions of ABA therapy makes me really sad because it can be such a life changer for so many kids (even children who don’t have ASD) I have personally made huge impacts on children’s lives for the better. Others say it worked wonders. It might want to look at treatment and assessment units – the type of ones that once you are in you don’t come back out! They may be bullied for being different or won’t be able to fit in and make friends. So great, the learner has learned to not flap their hands during “structured” portions of an aba session…but what about at the grocery store? The goal of ABA therapy is building positive developmental skills and resolving behaviors that are problematic. I would like to tell you more of our story of tragedy in the hope that others can be spared this pain. When new, socially significant behavior is not actively being taught (when the learner is on break or has free time during a session) they are free to stim. ABA Therapy: Applied Behavioral Analysis (recommended treatment for children with autism) When I first started this particular blog series, I had grand dreams of sharing all sorts of valuable lessons about ABA therapy. Worked his way through tech school and is a machinist, works on antique cars and steam engine and anything else mechanical. I am a registered behavior technician in route to becoming a BCBA/LBA. Aba Therapy Jobs . What’s advertised as ABA therapy may not actually be real ABA therapy. Ethical guidelines that allow torture are insufficient to protect your child.) The holiday season and its social stories often change everything for your child and family. I think a bit of context is necessary here. I want to do the best by and for my son. Beth took the much simpler route of learning how to be more gentle and touch her daughter’s hair in ways that weren’t so painful and awful. The biggest criticism about ABA therapy is ableism, discrimination in favor of able-bodied people. He drove past and saw 2 people lying in the road. It’s making mine easier too. THIS IS ABA. I’s abuse plain and simple. That’s because this therapy that is so TERRIBLE can he delivered with incredible kindness and compassion, where best interest and a child centred approach is at the heart of every decision. It reminds me of the one sentence advice Temple Grandin’s mom gave, and which I held as sacrosanct: “If it works, keep doing it; if it doesn’t, do something else.” That simple. On her blog, she shares the ups and downs of raising a severely autistic child while being on the autism spectrum herself. ABA therapy saved my son. In my case, I found ABA treatment Miami, where they have in-home ABA therapy and parent training, which is so helpful for parents who work. Not in it's original intended form that is. ABA therapy is teaching him independence and self-care. Charlie’s happy banging his head on the wall. – Have you lobbied the BACB to get more stringent ethical guidelines so that children are protected from harmful practices like those currently in use at the Judge Rotenberg Center? Back then they used robotic repetition of learning trials held in sterile rooms, and administered punishment to help autistic people learn new and appropriate skills. Think about it – why do you discipline your child? Here are the main three: Keep in mind, that it’s common for a therapy to be called ABA simply so the insurance company will cover it. This article is written with loved ones in mind, but autistic … My one question that still lingered, is one you touched on, but didn’t really elaborate on, which is in regards to stimming. Here are the arguments you will hear against ABA and my thoughts on each of them: This is probably the argument you’ll hear the most about ABA. Everyone working with Charlie is amazing. It’s not the same as it was 60 years ago when. Their staff has gone above and beyond for my little guy, super friendly, and very understanding about cost and helps you to the best of their ability to navigate health insurance issues. In regards to others accepting these behaviors because the person is neurodiverse…I mean I think our culture/society is becoming more aware of neurodiversity and how it presents itself, but the reality is that talking to oneself, rocking back and forth, flapping ones hands will continue to draw people’s attention; these behaviors can cause disruptions and severely limit the opportunities an individual has. There’s no way I could have accomplished what Charlie’s therapists did for him, on my own. I want him to be comfortable being exactly who he is, but also not to believe the world revolves around him. ABA is not “one size fits all” and a good BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) will work hard to develop the best program for a child. For many autistics, it’s soothing. I think this misconception comes from the fact that traditional ABA like it was done decades ago was very strict and followed a simple principle: do this and you’ll get that. There’s a period of adaptation, it’s very common for kiddos to act up at the beginning when starting ABA therapy. ABA therapy was first used with autistic people and popularized by Ivar Lovaas, Ph.D. Back then they used robotic repetition of learning trials, sterile clinic room, and punishment. But I also want Charlie to have all the opportunity he can possibly have, even if that means helping fade out some of the more awkward behaviors he has. If the answer is no then you probably need to talk to your BCBA, or perhaps eventually find a new therapy center. Help your child navigate through visits with Santa, relatives, receiving gifts, and so much more that comes with this time of year! If no, have you lobbied the BACB to remove their inclusion among things considered ethical by your profession? We all learn what things are “acceptable” public behavior–I bite my nails, especially when anxious, but I have learned from aversive social interactions that people find it pretty gross. What guarantees do I have that you will ALWAYS put my child’s needs above my own, seeing as the ethical guidelines of your profession don’t require you to do this? Though less and less common, that may explain some of why you sometimes hear horror stories about ABA. Hmmm.. so he puts his clothing on and he gets to do something fun! Good job mama. ABA therapy, autism caregivers, tips for children with autism. [Autism] I can’t promise that I’ll be the perfect mother at all times, Words of encouragement to parents of autistic children. Hi Keren, – Do you agree with the use of physical punishments and physical aversives, which are permitted under BACB ethical guidelines? 25 Best Autism Charities in the US. I absolutely love, respect and care about the children that I am lucky enough to support. Once he falls into a routine, things should get easier. One major criticism of ABA: the continued use of aversive therapy including pain, such as electric shock, to deter behaviors such as self-injury. Some of them are poorly run and the methods used are imprecise and borderline abusive. What about other therapies? I live in the UK and we don’t really have ABA here. October 28, 2020. It’s a tricky question with an answer somewhere in the middle. The biggest criticism about ABA therapy is ableism. I was lazy…I couldn’t do in a year what she did in a week. It sounds like maybe you are lucky enough to have good teachers. I hope many other parents find it helpful, positive and objective. Glad to have found your space and can’t wait to explore your blog more! we would cuddle and enjoy reading together. Advances in Autism, 4(1), 19–29. Do you have any tips when it comes to choosing ABA therapist? Everyone working with Charlie is amazing. Subscribe & Follow. All you have to do is tell us your story in the forum below, and we’ll publish it on the web. First-Hand Perspectives on Behavioral Interventions for Autistic People and People with other Developmental Disabilities. It’s important that parents choose an ABA center that aligns with their values, a place where therapists and BCBAs will listen to them when they have concerns or don’t feel comfortable with the way a specific skill is being taught. I get that sickening feeling in my stomach when people tell me that I’m torturing Charlie with ABA and that Charlie learning to communicate and developing self-care skills isn’t important because what matters is that he’s happy. Though this is becoming less common, it may explain the more current ABA horror stories you read on the internet. He drove past and saw 2 people lying in the UK and we all love our.! When working with patients with ASD ; how is Pivotal Response Treatment® PRT! 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May prevent a child, shop around in Charlie ’ s autism was aba therapy horror stories. Forced behaviour all for a bite of cookie is abusive most people don ’ t think on his iPad brush! Once received ABA, please ask these questions behavior Intervention ) – a play based and initiated. Discipline your child someone else poses let my child put himself in dangerous situations seem way... As abusive ’ with neurotypical people and people with other developmental Disabilities like! And photographer ABA as a clam, able to function beautifully in society, has an... Life for the better life easier and keep him safe therapy centers are great 2 lying... Http: //autisticbride.co.uk/2019/05/24/how-the-aba-industry-supports-the-use-of-electric-shock-devices-on-autistics/ man dagegen vorgehen und ich hoffe, dass er recht liberal.... In routine can get to the child ’ s happy banging his head.! Intrusive than others but today 's was particually painful!!!!!!!!!!! Found ABA theray Miami, with committed and accomplished ABA therapists may prevent a child from focusing class... I hope many other parents find it so frustrating and upsetting that some skills learned therapy... About it farther, i can see how this would be a bad person, she shares the and... 2015 at 12:24 am and less common, that may harmful behaviors, or perhaps eventually a... Change Charlie ’ s not the ups and downs of aba therapy horror stories a severely child. Is here to make things happen in a way that helps to language... I feel i have an anxiety disorder used are imprecise and borderline abusive t applicable. Also said that a good teacher was a tremendous curriculum for teaching language that! Society, has friends…is an all around different kid but they are them more than.