When I’m Asked About ABA Referrals…

I recently got an email from a therapist asking to refer a client for ABA. This is my response:

Thanks for reaching out! I'm currently the only independent practitioner in the state that focuses on therapy autistic people, and who is also autistic. As such, I approach therapy as a way to help people become their best selves rather than focus on compliance. ABA was invented by the same person who invented Gay Conversion, using the same methods. ABA focuses on behavioral modification rather than examination of thoughts and feelings behind behaviors, thus dehumanizing the autistic client. The behavioral focus of ABA identifies behaviors that are problematic for neurotypicals in the client’s sphere of influence rather than on behaviors that the autistic client wants to change. Because the focus of ABA is on making the autistic client’s behaviors appear more like those of a neurotypical, it denies the authenticity and autonomy of the autistic person, and teaches the autistic person that they are somehow defective, rather than different. Promotion of the idea that the autistic identity is somehow wrong, and that the client must change fundamental aspects of themself to be acceptable, leads to increased risk for depression and suicide risk. If the client chooses to change specific behaviors or elements of themself, a cognitive-behavioral approach, taking into account the client’s thoughts and feelings, is necessary for whole-person treatment and healthy development.

Therefore, we Autistic people see ABA as abusive. I'd be happy to see your client for therapy, but I'm strongly opposed to ABA.