Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations

2021/06/16 by Justin B. Leaf, Joseph H. Cihon, Ronald Leaf +6 · 204 citations
Neuroscience · Psychology · Medicine · Nursing · #Autism Spectrum Disorder Research #Behavioral and Psychological Studies #Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder #Autism #Autism spectrum disorder #Intervention (counseling) #Psychological intervention #Applied behavior analysis #Psychology #Harm #Certification #Public health #Clinical psychology #Psychiatry #Medicine #Social psychology #Nursing #Management

paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10803-021-05137-y

published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 52(6), 2838-2853 (Springer Science+Business Media)

openalex publication_date 2021/06/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02

Abstract

For over 50 years, intervention methods informed by the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been empirically researched and clinically implemented for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the plethora of evidence for the effectiveness of ABA-based interventions, some autism rights and neurodiversity activists have expressed concerns with ABA-based interventions. Concerns have included discontent with historical events and possible harm from the procedures and goals targeted. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine some expressed concerns about ABA-based intervention and suggest productive ways of moving forward to provide the best outcomes for autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD. The authors represent stakeholders from multiple sectors including board certified behavior analysts, licensed psychologists, parents, and autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD.

Citations

• Varieties of Repetitive Behavior in Autism: Comparisons to Mental Retardation
• O. Ivar Lovaas: Pioneer of Applied Behavior Analysis and Intervention for Children with Autism
• Loneliness and Friendship in High-Functioning Children with Autism
• SOCIAL VALIDITY: THE CASE FOR SUBJECTIVE MEASUREMENT or HOW APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IS FINDING ITS HEART1
• Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions: Empirically Validated Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• SOME CURRENT DIMENSIONS OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS1
• Intensive Behavioral Treatment for Children With Autism: Four-Year Outcome and Predictors
• Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Cited by

• Applied behavior analysis [wikipedia]

Related

• Long-term ABA Therapy Is Abusive: A Response to Gorycki, Ruppel, and Zane
• Ethical Concerns with Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum “Disorder”
• Affirming Neurodiversity within Applied Behavior Analysis
• “Recalling hidden harms”: autistic experiences of childhood applied behavioural analysis (ABA)
• Pervasive Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Literature