Celebrating Individuality: Today’s ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as the gold standard therapy for autism. More than 600 scientific studies have proven its effectiveness in helping children on the spectrum learn age-appropriate behavior, communication, and social skills. ABA is also the only autism treatment endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Yet parents looking into ABA will quickly find adults with autism who criticize their childhood experiences with it. Common complaints include ABA using punishment, teaching every child the same skills regardless of his or her needs, not providing real-life learning, and trying to make children…