Honoring the Individuals with Autism Who Have Been Wronged in the Past with ABA
Heyy, BCBA Ruby here.
Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on an important, but often painful part of the history of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)—a field I deeply respect and work within. While ABA has helped countless individuals with autism lead fulfilling, independent lives, it’s also important to acknowledge and honor the people who have been wronged by its earlier practices.
ABA, like many other fields, has evolved over time. However, this evolution didn’t happen without mistakes, and some of those mistakes have caused harm to individuals with autism and their families. This blog is about recognizing those harms, reflecting on the importance of ethical practice, and committing ourselves to never forget the lessons from the past.
A History of Misguided Practices
The origins of ABA date back to the mid-20th century, and while the field has grown and changed significantly, it’s important to recognize that some of the interventions used in the past were harmful, dehumanizing, and traumatizing for the people they were meant to help. These methods often relied on aversive techniques, which involved punishment or pain to discourage behaviors—methods that we now know can have long-lasting negative effects on emotional well-being, trust, and overall development.
For many years, the focus was often solely on compliance, and there was little to no consideration given to the autonomy, emotional needs, or personal dignity of those being treated. This approach resulted in a significant amount of trauma for individuals with autism, and we owe it to those affected to acknowledge this painful chapter in the history of ABA.
Acknowledging the Harm
It’s not easy to confront these truths, but it’s necessary for healing and growth. The people who suffered under these practices—whether they are children, parents, or adults now—deserve our acknowledgment and understanding. No person should have been made to feel less than, misunderstood, or devalued in the name of intervention or therapy. These individuals were often seen as “projects” to be fixed, rather than whole people with unique experiences, emotions, and needs.
The trauma caused by such practices can impact how individuals view themselves, their relationships with caregivers, and even their trust in professionals and therapeutic approaches. It can leave lasting scars, and those scars should not be ignored. Instead, we must honor those individuals by committing ourselves to more compassionate, respectful, and ethical practices moving forward.
The Evolution of ABA
Since those earlier years, ABA has undergone a significant transformation. We now prioritize individualized, client-centered approaches that are focused on building relationships, teaching skills in a humane way, and maintaining respect for the person’s dignity and autonomy. Ethical guidelines have been established to ensure that behavior analysts act with integrity, and that treatment plans are not only effective but compassionate.
The concept of positive reinforcement has become central to modern ABA practices, focusing on reinforcing desirable behaviors instead of using aversive or punitive methods. Today’s ABA is about more than just behavior change—it’s about empowering individuals with autism and giving them the tools they need to navigate the world on their own terms.
Honoring Those Who Have Been Wronged
On this day, I want to honor all of the individuals with autism who were harmed by ABA in its earlier years. Your stories matter. Your voices matter. You are not defined by the pain you’ve experienced but by your strength, resilience, and the journey you continue to walk. I see you, and I respect you.
For those who have struggled with trust due to past experiences, I want to acknowledge the pain of that mistrust. We, as a community, must ensure that the history of harm is never repeated. By focusing on compassionate, ethical, and inclusive practices, we can create a future where individuals with autism receive the support and care they deserve—support that honors their humanity and individuality.
Moving Forward with Respect and Integrity
The field of ABA has come a long way, and we have a responsibility to make sure that it continues to evolve in ways that prioritize ethical practices, compassion, and respect for the people we serve. As behavior analysts, we are held to a high standard, and it is essential that we maintain integrity in everything we do. It’s about being accountable, continuing our education, and listening to the voices of individuals with autism to understand their needs, wants, and preferences.
The commitment to doing no harm—and to undoing the harm that has already been done—is a responsibility we all share. Moving forward, we must ensure that we uphold the dignity and rights of those we work with, never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis.
In Conclusion
Today, I honor and remember those individuals with autism who have been wronged by ABA in the past. I acknowledge the pain, the hurt, and the lasting effects that these earlier practices caused. But I also commit to doing better, to ensuring that our field continues to evolve, and that we always prioritize the dignity and humanity of every person we serve.
Thank you to those who have shared their stories, who have helped us learn, and who continue to inspire change in the field of ABA. Together, we can build a future where respect, understanding, and empathy are at the forefront of our work.
