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“Recalling hidden harms”: autistic experiences of childhood applied behavioural analysis (ABA)

“Recalling hidden harms”: autistic experiences of childhood applied behavioural analysis (ABA) This paper aims to investigate the long-term impacts autistic adults experienced from childhood participation in the applied behavioural analysis (ABA).Design/methodology/approachPossible participants were recruited through advertisements on social media and autism and ABA organisations. Possible participants were given the choice between an online or face-to-face interview or an anonymised online questionnaire.FindingsReflections from 10 participants were indicative of a predominantly detrimental impact of ABA. Reflections gave rise to a core theme “recalling hidden harms of childhood experiences of ABA”. Outcomes are discussed in relation to the impact on autistic identity, current research and progressing understanding of the impacts of early intervention from the autistic perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe practical implications of ABA are discussed alongside recommendations for future practice and research with the involvement of autistic individuals within interventive processes.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to take an in-depth, qualitative approach to autistic experiences of ABA. The findings themselves are driven to conceptualise and give voice to the core impacts which carried through participants’ exploration and understanding of self. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Advances in Autism Emerald Publishing

“Recalling hidden harms”: autistic experiences of childhood applied behavioural analysis (ABA)

McGill, Owen; Robinson, Anna
Advances in Autism , Volume 7 (4): 14 – Oct 26, 2021
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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2056-3868
DOI
10.1108/aia-04-2020-0025
Publisher site
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Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the long-term impacts autistic adults experienced from childhood participation in the applied behavioural analysis (ABA).Design/methodology/approachPossible participants were recruited through advertisements on social media and autism and ABA organisations. Possible participants were given the choice between an online or face-to-face interview or an anonymised online questionnaire.FindingsReflections from 10 participants were indicative of a predominantly detrimental impact of ABA. Reflections gave rise to a core theme “recalling hidden harms of childhood experiences of ABA”. Outcomes are discussed in relation to the impact on autistic identity, current research and progressing understanding of the impacts of early intervention from the autistic perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe practical implications of ABA are discussed alongside recommendations for future practice and research with the involvement of autistic individuals within interventive processes.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to take an in-depth, qualitative approach to autistic experiences of ABA. The findings themselves are driven to conceptualise and give voice to the core impacts which carried through participants’ exploration and understanding of self.

Journal

Advances in Autism – Emerald Publishing

Published: Oct 26, 2021

Keywords: Autism; Trauma; ABA; Applied behaviour analysis; Autistic experiences; Hidden harms

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