Neurodiversity-Affirming Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract

Individuals within the Autistic and Neurodivergent communities have shared numerous concerns about applied behavior analysis (ABA). These criticisms often relate to the ableism reflected within current practices, which have impeded the dignity and autonomy of many individuals with disabilities served through ABA. Both within the field and outside of the field, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need to listen, reflect, and reconsider approaches to service delivery, which can ultimately benefit service recipients well beyond the Autistic or Neurodivergent communities. ABA is committed to being responsive to consumers, even when the social validity data are unfavorable, and the path forward is unclear. This article will provide an overview of historical and current perspectives regarding disability rights, the Autistic and Neurodiversity advocacy movements, and disability as a form of diversity. Calls to action will be presented with accompanying neurodiversity-affirming actions for behavior analytic practitioners. These calls to action are informed by feedback from the Autistic and Neurodivergent communities as well as other interested parties and are related to (1) client identity and language; (2) dignity, self-determination, choice, and assent; and (3) social validity, which may be acted on through compassionate and affirming approaches.

A Non-parametric Analysis of Gender Differences With the Impacts of Applied Behavior Analysis on Autistic Individuals

“…Autistic individuals possess unique insights into their own lives and communities. Therefore, the efficacy of ABA might be more influenced by individual variances rather than gender differences [33].…”

“…As previously mentioned, research has consistently shown a higher prevalence of ASD diagnoses in males than in females. This could potentially introduce a bias in the research data, with more males being represented in ABA studies than females [3,33]. Some studies have discovered that female individuals with ASD exhibited significantly better social interaction and social communication skills compared to male individuals with ASD.…”

“…These criticisms often pertain to the bias inherent in current practices, which have compromised the dignity and autonomy of many individuals with disabilities who have undergone ABA. This could potentially restrict the research on the impacts of ABA on different genders [31,33].…”

Comparative Effects of Applied Behavior Analysis on Male and Female Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Autistic individuals have unparalleled expertise in their own lives and their communities. Thus, the effectiveness of ABA could be influenced more by individual differences rather than gender differences [31,32]. Autism is a spectrum disorder with a wide range of symptoms and severity that can vary greatly among individuals.…”

“…As mentioned, research has consistently reported a higher rate of ASD diagnoses in males than in females. This could potentially lead to a bias in the research data, with more males being represented in ABA studies than females [29,31]. Some studies have found that female individuals with ASD had significantly better social interaction and social communication skills compared to male individuals with ASD.…”