What’s the Controversy Surrounding ABA?
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a well-funded and widely used therapy for autistic children, yet it remains highly controversial within the autistic community. Historically, ABA has been employed to modify autistic behaviors to appear more neurotypical, often without consideration of the individual’s natural emotional and cognitive responses. While some professionals and families continue to seek ABA as a treatment option, there is growing evidence that many autistic people experience it as harmful, especially when consent is not possible, as with young children.
It's important to acknowledge that ABA, like many therapies, has evolved over time, and some practitioners are working to reform ABA practices to reduce harm. However, concerns remain about how ABA is implemented and the underlying goals of behavior modification. Additionally, the increasing involvement of private equity in ABA centers raises questions about the focus on profits over meaningful structural changes.
We encourage ongoing reflection and conversation about the best ways to support autistic individuals, focusing on respecting their autonomy and well-being. This dynamic and iterative list of literature and resources on Applied Behavioral Analysis is regularly updated. Click each link to connect to the source text or video.
Peer-Reviewed and Non Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Avoiding Abuse of Power: A Case for Compassionate, Participant-Centered Research
Applied Behavior Analysis and the Abolitionist Neurodiversity Critique: An Ethical Analysis
A Response to “Thou Shall not Ration Justice”: Applied Behavioral Analysis Causes Harm
Applied Behavior Analysis and the Abolitionist Neurodiversity Critique: An Ethical Analysis
How Much Compliance is Too Much Compliance? Is Long-Term ABA Abuse?
'People should be allowed to do what they like': Autistic adults' views and experiences of stimming
Practitioner Experience of the Impact of Humanistic Methods on Autism Practice
Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis
Long-term ABA Therapy Is Abusive: A Response to Gorycki, Ruppel, and Zane | SpringerLink
Project MUSE - Ethical Concerns with Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum “Disorder”
Building a Person: On Legal and Clinical Personhood for Autistic and Trans Children in Ontario
"Recalling hidden harms”: Autistic experiences of childhood applied behavioral analysis (ABA)
Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations | SpringerLink
Ethical Concerns with Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum “Disorder”
Writing by autistic people
My Thoughts on ABA - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
Does ABA Work? We're Asking the Wrong Question. » NeuroClastic
The Strategies of ABA - What Parents Should Know Before Making a Decision » NeuroClastic
Tackling That Troublesome Issue of ABA and Ethics | Emma's Hope Book
Autonomously Autistic: Exposing the Locus of Autistic Pathology
Other Articles/Books
The AMA On ABA: The American Medical Association’s stance on Applied Behavioural Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by the Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
Autistic Perspectives on the Future of Clinical Autism Research
Applied Behavior Analysis and the Autistic Community: Time to Listen
The possible harms of ABA therapy on individuals with autism
My Name is Christine and I Work With Autistic Children - A Poem
I Abused Children And SO DO YOU: A Response To An ABA Apologist
The controversy over autism's most common therapy | Spectrum