Neurodivergent on Sidechat | Any autistic ppl here have experience in ABA (positive or negative)? I’m curious and wanna learn more as a neurotypical person that works w ppl on the spectrum and has been trying to read more (neurodiversity affirming care, ABA critiques and pros, etc)

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Neurodivergent 2w

Any autistic ppl here have experience in ABA (positive or negative)? I’m curious and wanna learn more as a neurotypical person that works w ppl on the spectrum and has been trying to read more (neurodiversity affirming care, ABA critiques and pros, etc)

Anonymous 2w

i know some people who work at childcare facilities and do the ABA. i don’t know much about it myself, but i’ve talked to them about the controversial nature and they all said that it’s outcome entirely depends on the therapist and parents. some use it for masking, others for managing symptoms. but i’ve noticed that a lot of the ABA places in my area don’t treat their kids or staff kindly

Anonymous 2w

I have experience with both positive and abusive ABA. ABA with the goal of masking and appearing "normal" is harmful, and often done in abusive ways that cause both physical and emotional pain, such as by exposing you to overwhelming sensory input. There are also newer therapies that are technically ABA but are fine and helpful. If the autistic person is involved in the process and decisions, the therapy uses positive reinforcement, and the provider understands the harmful effects 1/2

Anonymous

#1 2w

of forced compliance and masking, it is fine to be teach autistic people useful coping skills and how to redirect harmful behaviors.

Anonymous

#2 2w

Thank you for the insight/perspective!

Anonymous

#1 2w

Yeah, I’ve heard/seen of a range of stuff fall under ABA, anything from teaching alternative coping skills (e.g., instead of head banging) to hearing horror stories about punishments to stop non-harmful stimming. Thanks for the perspective!