Sydnee Bossen

Senior Project Advisor

Mike Warren

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Winter 2025

Keywords

Autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA, Leo Kanner, Asperger syndrome, Hans Asperger, Autism Rights Movement

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the issues people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) raise about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ASD is a neurobiological disorder in early brain development that manifests as impairments with social interaction and as restricted, repetitive, and stereotypical behaviors and interests (Mintz, 2017). Comorbidities often include language or intellectual impairments, sleep disturbances, epilepsy, depression, and self-injury. ABA is the oldest, most common, and most researched early intervention for ASD (Alotaibi, 2016). ABA has been shown to reduce negative behaviors and help to develop positive ones, which can improve quality of life for people with ASD. Opponents of ABA argue that ABA creates these behavioral changes in a way that is harmful and takes away freedom of choice, especially for children. These opponents also highlight other, potentially more effective interventions, and point out that ABA is time-intensive and expensive for families. Overall, while ABA is effective in reducing and replacing challenging behaviors associated with ASD, the process of undergoing an ABA intervention is harmful to participants.

Department

Psychology

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Autism spectrum disorders; Behavior modification; Behavior therapy; Autism; Asperger's syndrome

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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