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Alternatives to ABA
I understand parents what to do what's best for their children. Neurodiversity MB offers a multitude of Alternatives to ABA and other behaviour therapies which are more child-centred and respect your child's individuality and autonomy.
Alternatives to Behaviour Therapies
Emotional dysregulation
- Occupational therapy (OT) to improve Interoception and learn emotional regulation strategies.
- Counselling to further develop co-regulation and self-regulation strategies.
Challenging behaviours
- Adult education to help the adults in the person's life better understand Autism and Autistic needs.
- Dig down to find the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and address those instead of the surface behaviours.
Sensory issues
- Occupational therapy (OT) to help identify the sensory issues and offer strategies for management.
- Provide tools and accommodations for the person's sensory needs.
Communication
- Offer, teach, and engage with various modes of communication.
- This may include speech, text, AAC, sign language, writing, body language, art — whatever best meet's the individual's needs.
Love & acceptance
Love and accept your child for exactly who they are right now.
Listen to Autistics!
When Autistic people are trying to express how and why ABA is harmful, or trying to share their personal experiences, listen.
Our lived experiences are more valuable than textbooks written by neurotypical academics.
What May Not Need Therapy
"Nonfunctional" play
As long as play is safe, it is functional. Autistic and neurodivergent children may play differently from others, but play is important and there is no correct or appropriate way to play! Lining up toys, parallel play, repetitive behaviours — as long as it is not harmful, and the child is having fun, then it is play.
Social skills
Depending on the individual's goals and desires, Autistics may not need social skills "training" or therapy groups. Some Autistics do seek to better understand and interact with neurotypicals, and may find some level of social skills support helpful. However, it's very important to understand the difference between mutual respect and the dominant neurotype expecting the minority neurotype to conform to their communication style. Differences are not deficits.
Stimming
As long as a stim is not harmful to anyone, it is an important tool for self-regulation. Plus, stimming can be fun! Never try to discourage or stop a stim unless it is dangerous, in which case an alternative should be provided. Stimming is important.
Learn more
The “Gold Standard” for Autistic Children
More People Are Learning The Truth About ABA
More People Are Learning The Truth About ABA
So many Autistic people explain how and why ABA is abusive and harmful, yet many professionals continue to push it. These professionals need to explain exactly what they mean by gold standard.
More People Are Learning The Truth About ABA
More People Are Learning The Truth About ABA
More People Are Learning The Truth About ABA
Popular media has begun picking up on both the science and the sentiment: that ABA and other coercive therapies are harmful.
The “Great” ABA Debate Rages On
More People Are Learning The Truth About ABA
Stop Recommending Behaviour "Therapies"
The ABA debate rages on, which is really annoying because basic human rights shouldn't even be up for debate. The debate would have ended a long time ago if clinicians were willing to listen to Autistics.
Stop Recommending Behaviour "Therapies"
Children Are Cute, But They’re Not Puppies
Stop Recommending Behaviour "Therapies"
The definition of "success" in these programs is compliance. I will consider it a job well done if our collective professions resolve to never recommend any type of behaviour therapy ever again, and I'll tell you why.
Children Are Cute, But They’re Not Puppies
Children Are Cute, But They’re Not Puppies
Children Are Cute, But They’re Not Puppies
Humans are not like pigeons, rats, or any other animal to be "trained". I have extensive training in positive reinforcement because I was a certified dog trainer for 11 years, but would never use this approach with children.
Compliance Makes Us Vulnerable
Children Are Cute, But They’re Not Puppies
Children Are Cute, But They’re Not Puppies
ND kids are often expected to show unquestioning obedience. The message is made abundantly clear: You are a good person if you put your head down, work hard, and don't make trouble.