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. 2022 Jun;52(6):2838-2853.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05137-y. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations

Justin B Leaf  1 , Joseph H Cihon  2 , Ronald Leaf  2 , John McEachin  2 , Nicholas Liu  3 , Noah Russell  2 , Lorri Unumb  4 , Sydney Shapiro  5 , Dara Khosrowshahi  5
Affiliations

Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations

Justin B Leaf et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 Jun.

Erratum in

Abstract

For over 50 years, intervention methods informed by the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been empirically researched and clinically implemented for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the plethora of evidence for the effectiveness of ABA-based interventions, some autism rights and neurodiversity activists have expressed concerns with ABA-based interventions. Concerns have included discontent with historical events and possible harm from the procedures and goals targeted. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine some expressed concerns about ABA-based intervention and suggest productive ways of moving forward to provide the best outcomes for autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD. The authors represent stakeholders from multiple sectors including board certified behavior analysts, licensed psychologists, parents, and autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD.

Keywords: Abuse; Autism; Behavioral intervention; Early intensive behavioral intervention; Self-stimulatory behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors have any conflict of interests with this commentary.

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