Why Kairos Does Not Support Traditional ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) for ASD

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, has been used for many years as a popular intervention method for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

However, recent research has revealed various ethical and safety concerns associated with traditional ABA practices.

First of all, traditional ABA focuses heavily on reducing behaviors rather than proactively teaching new skills to individuals with ASD. This can create an environment in which children are constantly being reprimanded and punished for their behavior without any positive reinforcement or guidance in how to learn new skills. 

ABA increases the risk of developing trauma from feeling regularly controlled and micromanaged by adults in authority.

In addition, traditional ABA does not take into account the individual needs of each child; it is a one-size-fits-all approach that has been shown to be ineffective in many cases. 

This method of intervention also disregards the importance of relationships between adults and children with ASD, which can hinder social development and trust issues.

Based on these concerns, ABA is no longer recommended as an effective intervention for ASD. Instead, current research suggests that combining interventions such as Positive Behavior Support (PBS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Social Learning Theory (SLT) are more effective ways to help individuals with ASD reach their goals. These approaches focus on providing the appropriate support and respect needed for growth while recognizing each individual's unique needs and abilities. 

To learn more about how we support ASD and neurodivergent clients, please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today.