it’s bc aba wasn’t always how it is now. when the services first started, kids were basically taught to mask to adhere to NT acceptable behaviors, and would be abused if they didn’t.

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It has a very troubled history. ABA was created by the same person that created conversion therapy. When it was first being used it was solely for forcing autistics to mask. Where “normal behavior” was encouraged (masking to appear non-autistic) and abnormal behavior was punished (stimming, etc). Usually enforced through cruel means. Today it’s much more focused on teaching skills that improve quality of life. But because it’s still called ABA it will always have this baggage.

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what is aba? 🫣

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