How to Tell if an Autism ABA Therapy Is Harmful
Ask yourself whether the goals involve accommodation or assimilation., Consider if the therapist controls your loved one's affect., Consider whether the therapist is fighting or accommodating the autistic person's brain.A bad therapist may try in...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ask yourself whether the goals involve accommodation or assimilation.
The UN states that disabled children have a right to preservation of identity,i.e., to be themselves even if it means looking autistic.
A good therapist will allow them to look different, and therapy will not center on removing characteristics such as...
Most stimming(You may hear phrases such as "quiet hands" and "table ready" to indicate suppression of stims.) Toe-walking Avoidance of eye contactDesire not to have a wide circle of friends Other quirks (Fitting in should be a personal choice, not forced by others.) -
Step 2: Consider if the therapist controls your loved one's affect.
Some therapists train autistic people to show facial expressions or body language that suggest happiness, regardless of their actual feelings.No one should be pushed to smile or act happy if they do not feel happy.
Hugs and kisses should not be trained or pressured, even if it means hurting feelings.
The right to set boundaries is important in arming your loved one against sexual and emotional abuse., Good therapy goals might include...
Finding comfortable and non-harmful stims, instead of extinguishing all stimming Finding ways to accommodate and alleviate sensory issues Gaining social skills in a friendly environment; these include assertiveness as well as making friends Discussing and meeting your loved one's own personal goals , Communication should be considered more important than verbal speech (including both behavior and AAC).Beginning vocabulary should focus on basic needs instead of parents' feelings.
Words such as "yes," "no," "stop," "hungry," and "hurt" are more necessary than "I love you" or "Mommy." Behavior should be respected, even as someone is learning to communicate via AAC or speech. -
Step 3: Consider whether the therapist is fighting or accommodating the autistic person's brain.A bad therapist may try in vain to make your loved one not be autistic; a good one will seek to work with them so they can grow into a happy and capable autistic adult.Therapists should focus on making a happy autistic child/adult
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Step 4: not a non-autistic one.
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Step 5: Evaluate whether learning communication is treated as an essential skill
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Step 6: or a performance to please adults.
Detailed Guide
The UN states that disabled children have a right to preservation of identity,i.e., to be themselves even if it means looking autistic.
A good therapist will allow them to look different, and therapy will not center on removing characteristics such as...
Most stimming(You may hear phrases such as "quiet hands" and "table ready" to indicate suppression of stims.) Toe-walking Avoidance of eye contactDesire not to have a wide circle of friends Other quirks (Fitting in should be a personal choice, not forced by others.)
Some therapists train autistic people to show facial expressions or body language that suggest happiness, regardless of their actual feelings.No one should be pushed to smile or act happy if they do not feel happy.
Hugs and kisses should not be trained or pressured, even if it means hurting feelings.
The right to set boundaries is important in arming your loved one against sexual and emotional abuse., Good therapy goals might include...
Finding comfortable and non-harmful stims, instead of extinguishing all stimming Finding ways to accommodate and alleviate sensory issues Gaining social skills in a friendly environment; these include assertiveness as well as making friends Discussing and meeting your loved one's own personal goals , Communication should be considered more important than verbal speech (including both behavior and AAC).Beginning vocabulary should focus on basic needs instead of parents' feelings.
Words such as "yes," "no," "stop," "hungry," and "hurt" are more necessary than "I love you" or "Mommy." Behavior should be respected, even as someone is learning to communicate via AAC or speech.
About the Author
Megan Lane
Experienced content creator specializing in cooking guides and tutorials.
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