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SESo many interventions that use ABA methods are disguised these days. I’ve been caught out too!
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior.
The emphasis on routine can limit a child’s ability to adapt to new or unexpected situations out in the real world. Overemphasis on Compliance: ABA therapy has been criticised for its focus on compliance and “normalizing” behavior, which can undermine the child’s individuality and discourage self-expression.
What to look out for…
🚩 a lack of individualized plans
🚩 overly rigid
🚩 punitive techniques
🚩 a focus solely on behavior control without addressing underlying needs
🚩 the aim to mask behaviours to conform or appear more neurotypical
What to look for instead…
✅ emphasis on communication and social skills linked to the child’s wants and needs
✅ ongoing assessment and adaptation of individualised plans
✅ a caring and compassionate approach centred around the individual and their desires and needs
✅ focus on trust and relationship building
✅ child-centered focus
✅ Autism or neurodivergence affirming
There is lots of talk about long standing and recommended methods such as TEACCH system and PECS and Attention Autism. All three i use to some degree in my classroom.
I am constantly researching autism affirming approaches and speaking to autistic adults to learn and do the best I can by my learners.
My method is to not be afraid to make adaptations, if something feels like the 🚩 , then change it, adapt it, individualise it, make it child-centered and autism affirming- and if you can’t …. DITCH IT.
#specialeducationteacher #abatherapy #autismacceptance #autismmom
@sensoryclass
