Is ABA Harmful? The Truth behind ABA Controversy
Is ABA Harmful? The Truth behind ABA (& a Call for Compassionate Specialists)
The world of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is evolving, and with it comes a new era of care: one that embraces the beauty of neurodiversity and celebrates your child’s uniqueness.
The great news is, as awareness grows, we are seeing a shift towards re-centering ethical, high-quality ABA practices that prioritise your child's well-being and repels all outdated and harmful practices.
Whether you are a school, parent, BCBA, caregiver, or seeking services for a loved one, choosing an ABA provider that genuinely respects neurodiversity and prioritises the well-being of Autistic and other SEN individuals should always lay the foundations for ABA therapy.
So, why is ABA controversial?
Is it inherently harmful?
What exactly are the concerns that many in the autistic and SEN communities raise? Is there any truth to the controversy?
Scroll on to find the answers you’ve been looking for…
Autistic individuals should never be forced to mask their Authentic Selves
ABA has helped a lot of people over the years, and that shouldn’t be overlooked.
But at the same time, it’s important to be honest about the fact that some of the older methods used - ones that focused heavily on compliance and trying to change or suppress natural behaviours - have caused real harm for many Autistic children and adults.
These approaches often pushed people to appear '“normal” rather than supporting how they wish to communicate.
We need to listen to those experiences and learn from the errors of the past.
We cannot deny the experiences of those who suffered and we must create more compassionate and respectful support for everyone moving forward.
Autistic individuals should never be forced to mask their authentic selves just to fit into a neurotypical mold.
They should never be asked to “conform” when it makes them uncomfortable to do so.
At All Behaviour Consultancy, this is why we call our services ‘ABA Therapy’.
Therapy seeks to support, improve functions/skills, and enhance a person's quality of life.
The goal should always be to empower, never erase.
ABA Should Support, Not ‘Cure’. Autism
Autism is not something to be "fixed" or "cured." Autistic individuals have incredible strengths as well as challenges, and the right support can help them navigate the world in a way that enhances their quality of life - instead of forcing them to behave in a way that aligns with neuro-typicals.
Compassionate ABA therapy builds essential life-long skills, helping Autistic individuals develop tools to communicate and navigate daily life, whilst also reducing any self-harming behaviours.
ABA should be about allowing the Autistic individual to express themselves in a way that feels comfortable for themselves.
When practiced ethically, it is highly effective for those with more complex needs, such as individuals with limited language abilities, difficulties with self-regulation or managing their emotions.
Despite the many supportive Specialists, ABA remains controversial.
Many Autistic self-advocates argue that traditional ABA has often framed Autistic traits as ‘undesirable’ behaviours to be corrected, for example; stimming, avoiding eye contact, or differences in social interaction.
This approach risks forcing Autistic individuals to mask their real selves, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and potentially long-term harm.
No-one should be made to feel that their natural way of existing is wrong!
The goal of ABA should never be to make an Autistic person act neurotypical.
It should be about empowerment, respect, and meaningful support.
Evolving ABA: A Call for Ethical, Compassionate Practices
ABA must completely shift its focus toward honouring neurodiversity, celebrating independence, and providing tools that genuinely improve an individual’s well-being - without suppressing the very traits that make them who they are.
That’s why it’s time to ban harmful ABA practices and push for meaningful change.
Future ABA professionals must be trained in the most up to date, compassionate, and respectful approaches - ones that nurture strengths, honours neurodiversity, and truly support individuals in ways that matter to them.
ABA should evolve into a tool for empowerment, not conformity.
We stand with those advocating change, ensuring ABA is practiced ethically, responsibly, and with the dignity of every individual at its core.
Keep on reading to understand the growing prevalence of Autism in the UK, and what parents and schools need to look for in an Ethical ABA provider.
THE FACTS:
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a therapeutic approach primarily used to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In the United Kingdom, the demand for ABA services is influenced by the commonality of Autism and the availability of diagnostic and support services.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the UK:
Approximately 1.1% of adults in the UK are estimated to have ASD. (Source:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762%2823%2900045-5/fulltext )
Recent research suggests that autism may be underdiagnosed, with estimates indicating there could be more than 1.2 million Autistic individuals in England alone. (Source: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/epidemiology-of-autism-in-adults-across-age-groups-and-ability-levels/D4F48E07D1002DE6F75A67FF9A4FFCF7).
Demand for Autism Assessments and Services:
As of September 2024, over 204,000 individuals in England were awaiting an Autism assessment, with 89% waiting longer than 13 weeks. This represents a 25% increase compared to the previous year and a 96% increase over two years. (https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/october-2023-to-september-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
ABA Market Insights:
Specific data on the size of the ABA market in the UK is limited. However, the global ABA market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing prevalence of ASD and the rising demand for effective treatment solutions. The market is expected to reach approximately USD 7.97 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.56% through 2030. citeturn0search7
These statistics highlight the growing need for ABA services in the UK, influenced by the increasing recognition and diagnosis of Autism.
The substantial number of ASD individuals awaiting assessment underscores the demand for timely diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
How to Find an Ethical ABA Company
This is what you should look for in an ethical ABA company/ABA Therapist consultancy:
✔ Teaching self-advocacy skills: Honouring a child’s right to say “NO”
Client-Centered, Assent-Based Care: Ethical companies prioritise teaching self-advocacy, which respects a child’s right to say “NO”. The plan is directed by meaningful, personal and functional goals that align with the individual’s well-being and the family’s values.
✔ Embracing Neurodiversity & Accepting Autistic Behaviours
Championing Neurodiversity: ABA should never be about changing who someone is or suppressing their natural way of being. Every individual deserves respect for how they communicate and navigate the world, whether that includes making eye contact or not. The true purpose of ABA is to provide meaningful support, helping individuals overcome challenges they face, not forcing them to conform to neurotypical expectations. Every Autistic person should be empowered to thrive on their terms, in a world that embraces and values their uniqueness.
✔ ABA should never be stressful, adhering to the key principle “Do no Harm”
ABA Principles: Autistic and SEN individuals should never feel any added stress or pressure. The whole point of ABA is to enhance the person’s life; to allow them to navigate and manage living in a neurotypical world more comfortably.
✔ Trauma-informed Care & Compassionate ABA Specialists go hand in hand
Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Practices: Instead of using outdated compliance-based approaches, ethical ABA Specialists stay CLEAR of these misused techniques and are inherently compassionate. At ABC, our team have completed formal training with trauma-informed care based at the centre of our strategies.
✔ The right amount of time is given to each SEN individual
Sustainable Caseloads & Workloads: ABA should not be rushed or cut short on time. Careful attention to the time spent on each individual is KEY because every individual is different. Some children (or adults) will need more time to learn a new skill. Rushing is never allowed, and we make sure our BCBAs have manageable caseloads, allowing them to provide high-quality guidance and support.
✔ ABA should never be stressful, adhering to the key principle “Do no Harm”
ABA Principles: Autistic and SEN individuals should never feel any added stress or pressure. The whole point of ABA is to enhance the person’s life; to allow them to navigate and manage living in a neurotypical world more comfortably.
✔ Ethical prices and no Over-billing for Unnecessary hours
Dedication to Ethical Billing & Transparency: At All Behaviour Consultancy, we prioritise honest billing, ensuring no pressure to increase hours or recommend unnecessary services. Trust and Transparency between families and providers lays the foundation for our ABA team.
✔ Environment Support & Family Collaboration
Designing Environments & Encouraging Collaboration with Families: The best ABA companies truly listen to families and collaborate to set meaningful goals, ensuring that the tailored therapy fits their culture, values, and everyday lives. Our ABA Specialists go beyond sessions, helping create the right environment where SEN kids can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.
✔ Regularly trained and cared for ABA employees
Staff Investment, Supervision & Mentorship: Top ethical ABA companies go beyond mere compliance - they genuinely invest in their staff. Through ongoing training, mentorship, and dedicated support, they empower ABA Therapists to grow and excel. These companies prioritise work-life balance, ensuring their team feels valued, supported, and never overworked. When ABA Specialists thrive, the individuals they serve do, too.
At All Behaviour Consultancy, we hope to educate the masses on the key principles of effective and trustworthy ABA.
Remember, it's not just about therapy; it's about creating a world where every individual is valued for who they are and given the opportunity to thrive on their own terms.
This is the future of ABA - one rooted in respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of those we serve.
ABA therapy should NEVER be harmful to Autistic children or adults.
Unfortunately, a few unethical providers, along with antiquated practices, have caused harm, thereby giving ABA a bad name for some people in the Autistic community.
We are here to offer a different path of support; one that respects your child and cheers on their growth with love, understanding, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves to thrive.
Get in touch with us if you have any questions about how we approach ABA or our processes.
Contact us
We are based in South London, and provide ABA therapy at home in the London areas, as well as offering online ABA services to the rest of the UK.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.