5 Common Misconceptions of ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focuses on the science of learning and understanding behavior change. 

ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach using ABA principles to understand the relationship between the environment and behavior. 

Here are some common misconceptions about it.

Download your FREE guide on 

ABA Therapy for Autism

ABA Therapy for Autism

1. ABA therapy is only for people with autism

ABA therapy has been associated with autism due to extensive research on the effectiveness of ABA therapy on the ASD population.

However, in addition to benefiting individuals with autism, the principles of ABA therapy are beneficial for all populations with or without disabilities.

ABA therapy has been beneficial in teaching a variety of skills across home, school, and community settings, including but not limited to:

• skills to replace maladaptive behaviors (Example: teaching a child to request a break instead of running out of the classroom),
• communication and language skills,
• daily living skills,
• coping skills (Example: being flexible),
• social and play skills (Example: greeting others),
• problem-solving,
• attending skills (Example: sitting for longer durations of time),
• task completion,
• generalization (Example: applying skills learned across different settings),
• organizational management with employees (Example: increasing staff productivity).

2. ABA therapy turns children into robots 

ABA therapy is individualized for each learner.

Someone unfamiliar with ABA may perceive the treatment to consist only of a child sitting at the table and repeatedly answering questions or completing tasks.

Discrete Trial Training is just one of many teaching strategies used in Applied Behavior Analysis. It is a highly structured approach that teaches new skills by breaking down a larger, complex skill into smaller, more manageable components.

Teaching a new skill to a learner may require repetitive presentations of trials and reinforcement to facilitate learning.

The skills learned are socially valid and functional to the learner. This may be a child learning to respond to their name or request what they need. 

The skills learned are generalized across people and environments. Discrete Trial Training is not the only teaching method used in ABA therapy, as treatment is individualized to the learner.

Other teaching strategies may include:

These less structured strategies may teach skills through play and interaction with the learner’s natural environment. 

3. ABA therapy uses candy and bribes for “good” behavior

ABA therapy uses reinforcement to promote behavior change and teach new skills. Reinforcement refers to the consequences that increase the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future.

For example, a child may enjoy high-fives, which we will identify as the reinforcer because it’s something the child prefers.  

In a classroom, when the student sits in his seat, the teacher goes to the child, gives them a high-five, and says, “Great job sitting in your seat.”

The child will more likely sit in their seat in the future to access the teacher’s attention.

The difference between reinforcement and a bribe is when the reinforcer (high-five) is presented.

When utilizing reinforcement, the reinforcer is given after the behavior is demonstrated.

Bribing a child involves giving the reinforcer to the child before the behavior or “negotiating” with the child.

In this example, the teacher would bribe the child, saying, “Here’s a high-five. Now, can you sit down?”

Like what you’re reading?

UNLOCK FULL ACCESS (50%OFF)

Boosting social skills

Managing behavioural issues

Building communication skills

Special education insights

Transitioning to adulthood

Latest News & Success Stories

4. ABA therapy is abusive

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, founded in 1998, provides certification for ABA professionals and sets clear ethical rules that certified behavior analysts and technicians must follow.

The organization functions similarly to a regulatory board, providing standards of practice, certification, ethics guidelines, and disciplinary procedures.

According to the ethical guidelines, ABA therapy providers must practice within their scope of treatment, act in the best interests of their clients, and ensure that treatment does no harm. 

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst develops treatment plans based on the client’s individualized needs in collaboration with the parent or caregiver.

Treatment goals are socially significant to the family and promote functioning. 

5. Anyone can do ABA therapy without training

Applied Behavior Analysis requires specialized training.

An ABA therapy program should consist of the following team members:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
• Behavior Technician/Registered Behavior Technician/ABA therapist

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

This master’s-level professional has education and training in Applied Behavior Analysis.

They have completed the required coursework and training and have passed an exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Board Certified Behavior Analysts may also be licensed in their state if their state requires additional licensure in addition to certification.

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst oversees treatment and provides training to the parent or caregiver and behavior technician. 

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)

This bachelor’s level professional has education and training in Applied Behavior Analysis.

They have completed the required coursework and training and have passed an exam to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).

The Assistant Behavior Analyst supervises behavioral treatment under the supervision of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

An Assistant Behavior Analyst may not always be part of the team, as the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) may oversee behavioral treatment directly.

Behavior Technician/Registered Behavior Technician/ABA therapist

This professional is trained in Applied Behavior Analysis treatment strategies.

If the professional is a Registered Behavior Technician, they have completed 40 hours of specialized training and passed a skills-based assessment and exam as a Registered Behavior Technician.

This professional implements programming and collects data as directed by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst. 

Breaking the stigma

Extensive scientific research has shown the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for autism, but it is not only used for individuals with ASD.

The treatment approaches have been used to teach various skills and promote behavior change.

Misconceptions about Applied Behavior Analysis come from a lack of knowledge and the need for increased awareness about the benefits of treatment.

FAQs

Q: What is ABA, and why is it controversial?

A: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy that uses behavior-based techniques to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors in autistic individuals. It is controversial because some people feel early versions of ABA were too rigid, compliance-focused, or failed to respect the individual’s autonomy and neurodiversity.

Q: Is ABA helpful or not?

A: ABA can be helpful in building communication, daily living, and social skills, especially when tailored to the child’s needs and strengths. However, its effectiveness varies depending on unique needs and experiences.

Q: Is ABA ethical for autism?

A: ABA can be ethical when it prioritizes the autistic person’s well-being, uses positive reinforcement, and respects consent and individuality. Concerns arise when therapy focuses solely on making the child appear “less autistic” or ignores their emotional needs.

Q: Can you do ABA therapy at home?

A: To do ABA therapy at home, parents can work with a certified professional to create a structured plan using rewards and clear goals for specific skills. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key, along with adapting the approach to the child’s pace and preferences.