ABA Therapy: What Parents Need to Know Before Saying Yes

ABA — Applied Behavior Analysis — is the most-covered intervention in autism research and the most debated in the autistic community. Before your child starts any program, you need to understand both sides.

The research says: ABA can build communication skills, daily living skills, and reduce behaviors that cause harm. Some studies show significant gains.

Autistic adults say: Early intensive ABA, particularly programs focused on eliminating autistic behaviors (stimming, nonverbal communication), has caused lasting harm for many. The goal of making children appear neurotypical is not the same as helping them thrive.

What to ask any ABA provider:

- Is the goal to reduce autistic traits, or to build the child's own skills and independence?

- Are natural environment teaching methods used, or primarily discrete trial training?

- How does the program respond when a child is distressed?

- Do you hire autistic staff or consultants?

The honest answer: ABA is a broad category. Some programs are deeply child-led and affirming. Others are not. Parent advocacy — knowing your rights, asking hard questions, and trusting your child — is the filter that matters most.