Is ABA Therapy Harmful? Autistic BCBA Speaks About ABA Controversy

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  • čas přidán 22. 11. 2021
  • Dr. Mary Barbera discusses why ABA is so controversial with an Autistic BCBA. Is ABA therapy harmful? Find out in this week's autism video blog.
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    I get this question all the time and today I am going to tackle this question from a different perspective. I recently interviewed Armando Bernal, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and he was pretty significantly impaired. Now he's an autistic adult who is also a board certified behavior analyst. And we talk all about the ABA controversy.
    Armando used to feel a little ashamed of autism, but then he made a shift and started disclosing it to people. “I wish I could go back and say, Hey, I had autism. But in the nineties and early two thousands, that wasn't the case. That wasn't something that you really wanted to disclose unless you wanted to be looked upon differently.”
    It wasn’t until after he graduated college that he realized he needed to be more accepting of his autism and who he was. By listening to the parents of the children he was teaching in special education, he started to understand that his own experiences better helped him serve the kids. And that’s still true to this day.
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    If you enjoyed this video on ABA and accepting autism, be sure to subscribe to the channel, like this video and visit my website below. If you have more questions, leave them down in the comments section, and I will do my best to answer you. Thanks for watching today's video blog, and let's #turnautismaround together!
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    Dr. Mary Barbera. I fell into the autism world as an autism mom in 1999 when her first-born son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism. Since then, she became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and best-selling author of The Verbal Behavior Approach. Since 2015, she’s created 3 autism online courses based on applied behavior analysis for professionals and "gung-ho" parents. Whether you’re looking for autism parenting strategies, working with development delays in children, or in search of autism help for professionals, I can encourage you to subscribe to the channel and join me on my journey. I’ll be providing weekly autism resources that you don’t want to miss.

Komentáře • 332

  • @leannestrong1000
    @leannestrong1000 Před 2 měsíci +20

    I have an Autism Spectrum diagnosis, and let me just say that I'm glad (but very surprised) that I never received any ABA. The horrible, sad truth is that even those who don't or didn't receive any ABA might (or might have) receive(d) the same message at from our teachers, parents/guardians, or others in our lives around whom we are supposed to feel totally comfortable just being our own authentic selves. Even if it isn't or wasn't meant this way, the message we receive(d) is (or was) that we are not ok to just be our own authentic selves. We are taught to suppress our true emotions, and to act as though we view people's intentions, and the vibes they give us as totally normal and acceptable, even though deep down, we have that 'gut feeling,' but we aren't allowed to trust it. We are taught not to state any personal boundaries or preferences, so as not to upset too many neurotypicals. We are also taught to tolerate certain types of sensory input, so as not to make too many neurotypicals uncomfortable or suspicious.
    The worst part is that we don't even expect DOGS to communicate or behave in ways that are more appealing to humans. Yes, we do train dogs to respond to commands such as, "sit," "stay," "lay down," "leave it," "drop it," and, "quiet," and then only offer the dog a treat or other desired item once it complies with the command. However, we don't expect dogs to learn to tolerate being petted, or at the very least, teach try to teach them to verbally say, "please don't pet me."

    • @AuthorMorganaSinclayr
      @AuthorMorganaSinclayr Před měsícem

      This exactly! I have a video coming out today on it.:)

    • @JosephineEze79
      @JosephineEze79 Před 19 dny

      You're high functioning. What about those who harm themselves and others. What do you suggest we do to help them. Most kids receive training and discipline.

    • @MakeItSmelly
      @MakeItSmelly Před 12 dny

      ​@@JosephineEze79exactly what i came here to say..... I work with children that have high behaviors and cant live or be safe in their own homes.... A lot of them have bolting and physical issues. And i can confidently say ive seen ABA change these children for the better within months of admission to our residential units.

  • @cooperhough7583
    @cooperhough7583 Před rokem +144

    compassion over compliance

  • @110311DONTWANTCHANNE
    @110311DONTWANTCHANNE Před 2 lety +152

    a big part of the problem is BAD ABA done by poorly trained aides. and failing to still be child focused. for example, I was working on joint attention with toy cars. a week into the program, the 2.5 year old suddenly became distressed. it wasn't non compliance he was legit upset. I tried it a couple more times on different days and got the same reaction. Bad ABA would insist on mastering the program. but that is counter productive to force a child to play with a toy he hates. Instead I used incidental learning to prompt appropriate communication to say 'no' when offered the toy with the Sd 'do you want this?' we chose a toy he liked for joint attention/reciprocal play....there is no NEED to know how to play cars...so it would be ridiculous to force it just to force behavior compliance

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety +11

      Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your insight here!

    • @monterrosasremodeling2339
      @monterrosasremodeling2339 Před 2 lety +2

      Can you share more of your personal insights and experiences?

    • @110311DONTWANTCHANNE
      @110311DONTWANTCHANNE Před 2 lety

      @@monterrosasremodeling2339 one of my other favorite stories was a 4 year old..he could actually be quite the comedian even though he was just starting to be verbal. One day, he launched into a tirade against me. It was hard to sit there and keep a straight face. He WAS COMMUNICATING! It was complete jargon, I have no idea what he actually said, but I got the message, he wanted a break. This child was dual diagnosed with autism and a physical disability that necessitated a wheelchair and had limited arm use so he couldn't be significantly physically non compliant. Strict ABA would have stopped him and forced compliance...but he was communicating. I had the classroom teacher and aides watching this play out, trying not to laugh......After a minute or so, he calmed down...I said I understood he wanted a break. I explained we needed to work on numbers (I had 3 activities planned, but wanted to reward the communication), and then we would take a break. I quickly did an easy program with him, then moved him to the floor to have break time/sensory play/brushing. transitioning to different activities can be time consuming (ie wheelchair to stander to floor chair, etc) so its not an option to do frequently, but under the circumstances, I it was more important to reward the communication than to continue the discrete trial programs (without letting the tirade immediately get him out of work). This kid was pretty smart. I realized he was reading at 4 and pulling pranks on me

    • @110311DONTWANTCHANNE
      @110311DONTWANTCHANNE Před 2 lety +5

      @@monterrosasremodeling2339 one thing that annoyed me was a poorly trained home therapist. The Sd was 'point to window' the child TOUCHED window and was marked wrong...confusing the kid..the one step commands touch/point to should be worked on separately.

    • @110311DONTWANTCHANNE
      @110311DONTWANTCHANNE Před 2 lety +11

      @@monterrosasremodeling2339 another time I had a very shy 2.5 year old. I could relate as I was like him when i was little. I was slowing establishing rapport with him, but my supervisor (who only had a high school diploma while I had a college degree and extensive training in a school) came in and insisted on physically forcing compliance..so now he barely knows me, she is a stranger and she is physically forcing him to sit and comply. He had an asthma attack and parents stopped services altogether.

  • @quentinplayezgamez7829
    @quentinplayezgamez7829 Před 4 měsíci +17

    coming from an autistic person who went through the treatment, The issue lies with the mental aspect of what is done. ABA takes the human right to say no, I have had teachers get upset because I watched a horror movie at home (this was in high school) which isn't any of their business. Even other ABA therapists thought she was crazy for getting upset over me watching a horror movie at home, which tells me it was just a bad therapist and not aba as a whole. But still it can be very hard to find a good ABA therapist so its not worth it in my eyes.

    • @kilobaxi3378
      @kilobaxi3378 Před 3 měsíci +1

      That is not supposed to happen. You're always supposed to have the right to say "no" or "I want a break" but eventually the task dies need to be done but not at all in the moment

    • @trinamckinney6149
      @trinamckinney6149 Před 3 dny

      I think that those are just bad therapists that some encountered, unfortunately. I'm studying to become a BCBA, and I refuse to take individuals out of their comfort zones. My son has autism, and I am against making him do uncomfortable things. I think teaching skills and forcing are two different things.

    • @quentinplayezgamez7829
      @quentinplayezgamez7829 Před 13 hodinami

      @@trinamckinney6149 I agree, however I do not believe that putting your kids in aba is worth the risk.

  • @flyintheointment8011
    @flyintheointment8011 Před 2 lety +115

    He didnt receive ABA treatment…interview ppl that had the treatment…it would be more helpful

    • @elzabethmcarthur3154
      @elzabethmcarthur3154 Před 2 lety

      Yeah big white washing exercise going on here

    • @profile5
      @profile5 Před rokem +15

      Yea, she says that he was significantly disabled but none of that was fixed by ABA.

    • @andreagreen1467
      @andreagreen1467 Před rokem +12

      Exactly. Before watching the video, I assumed he'd been through it.

    • @tianamiller6056
      @tianamiller6056 Před rokem +2

      JJ Jameson, you are on to something! I thought he was going to say ABA helped him...

    • @shabrethajennings7291
      @shabrethajennings7291 Před rokem +7

      He did mention that ABA therapy wasn't known or wide spread during the 90's & 00's. So using a little "context clues" perhaps he was growing up during that time frame, if so then I see why he didn't get aba therapy. I was raised in the 90's graduated 2003 never heard of autism or aba therapy back then, I'm sure alot of autistic people didn't experience it either. Ya'll are quick to judge because you're probably against it anyways, who cares if he didn't do aba at least he is educated and trained now. He can still make a difference in the lives of children.

  • @Stalemarshmallow
    @Stalemarshmallow Před 10 měsíci +53

    I think neurotypical people take their abilities for granted and don’t realize autistic people just need some extra help with skills. So I feel that’s where a lot of the ignorance comes from.

  • @blackmound22
    @blackmound22 Před měsícem +1

    Growing up I’ve dealt with ADHD/anxiety. I always thought “no that’s dumb just focus” or “I don’t need any special help I’m normal” but as an adult I’m finally seeking help for those conditions and my life has so far been so much better. It really hit me when he said “I needed to be who I am to better serve the kids I see now”

  • @Jade.123
    @Jade.123 Před rokem +30

    I think that ASD people should be in the field. I am neurotypical and tried to go into it and its really frustrating. I have no connection to it and I am not sure why people keep asking me things over and over. I think that many people in this field need to just support eachother and not try to get people to be like them or expect so much from others. I am so frustrated because I try to help and they get so mad. Im sorry. good luck

  • @queen_of_wands_astro
    @queen_of_wands_astro Před 2 lety +70

    I am an autistic rBT and going back to school to become a BCBA. I wasn’t sure how to feel about going into the field knowing that it is controversial in the autistic community. This really encouraged me. Thank you!

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety

      Thank you for watching and I'm so happy this was helpful to you!

    • @captaincosback323
      @captaincosback323 Před 2 lety +24

      Don't even consider ABA, there are other forms of therapy that you can go into that are good and you can still help out autistic people.

    • @Wellworm
      @Wellworm Před 2 lety +24

      Occupational therapy and speech language are far more efficacious than ABA.

    • @captaincosback323
      @captaincosback323 Před 2 lety +4

      @@Wellworm fr

    • @captaincosback323
      @captaincosback323 Před 2 lety

      @Accra Terminal agency just shut up about reversing Autsism and maybe embrace your child's neurodiversity, your child will eventually hate you and will choose neurodiversity over you.

  • @ummekulsum2629
    @ummekulsum2629 Před rokem +51

    ABA wasn’t any help for my two ASD kids as they had sensory issues that overrode any ABA tactics. Weirdly I didn’t need ABA at all when they were regulated. But I know kids who received tremendous benefit from it. So long story short for some kids and with the right therapist ABA works. Not sure why there is so controversy surrounding it.

    • @danielmoore4024
      @danielmoore4024 Před rokem +14

      Umme Kulsum,
      Not one controversial issue has been mentioned in this video, so I'll share a few and I would like you to validate how it's acceptable.
      The American Psychological Association discovered publication bias and published an article in January 2021 by Psychological Belletin.
      Abstract
      The “replication crisis” describes recent difficulties in replicating studies in various scientific fields, most notably psychology. The available evidence primarily documents replication failures for group research designs. However, we argue that contingencies of publication bias that led to the “replication crisis” also operate on applied behavior analysis (ABA) researchers who use single-case research designs (SCRD). This bias strongly favors publication of SCRD studies that show strong experimental effect, and disfavors publication of studies that show less robust effect. The resulting research literature may unjustifiably inflate confidence about intervention effects, limit researchers’ ability to delineate intervention boundary conditions, and diminish the credibility of our science. To counter problems of publication bias in ABA, we recommend that journals that publish SCRD research establish journal standards for publication of noneffect studies; that our research community adopt open sharing of SCRD protocols and data; and that members of our community routinely publish systematic literature reviews that include gray (i.e., unpublished) research.
      Conclusion
      The ABA community is not immune from the pitfalls of publication bias commonly associated with group comparison research. Contingencies of reinforcement that contribute to the file drawer effect among researchers in all disciplines also operate on applied behavior analysts. There is evidence that researcher bias may be endemic within our current scientific and publication practices, which negatively affect the scientific integrity of our field as a whole. We have offered modest and preliminary suggestions for researchers and the research community to guard against publication bias with the intention of stimulating the ABA community to adopt, improve, or expand upon them. Discounting or ignoring the problem likely will diminish the credibility of our findings among our scientific colleagues, negatively affect consumers of our services, and undermine public confidence in behavior analytic treatments. Conversely, addressing publication bias and related issues likely will advance scientific knowledge about behavior, improve consumer outcomes associated with behavioral treatments, and promote public confidence in the technology of behavior.
      (Tincani, 2019)
      Published online 2019 Mar 18
      How is it acceptable to practice things based on bias publications?
      The National Autistic Society says;
      ABA is now one of the most researched of all autism approaches, but there are significant limitations and gaps in the research, particularly about long-term effects.
      People’s views about ABA are strongly polarised. Some point out that ABA has developed considerably, can help people develop vital life skills and help them stay safe. Others fundamentally opposed and report being traumatised by its use. It is also clear that there is significant variation in the quality of training, practice and formal guidance. As with any support, these things are vital.
      We do not support any intervention that follows one-size-fits-all approaches, or that goes against the principles we outlined at the top of this page, and we believe that some ABA interventions used today are not sufficiently person-centred and are too intensive.
      Why do you think there is so many gaps in the research?
      And how is it acceptable to do something when you don't even think of what the long term effects are?
      We know one of our unknowns is the long term effects of COVID-19, and the medical system sees that as something important to consider.
      It's comical that those of you who claim you care don't have the same concerns about long term effects of what you do to children.

    • @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks
      @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks Před rokem +3

      Read the Leaf et al. 2021 article.

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před 8 měsíci

      ​@@IcanSeeMyselfOutThanksHow many times are you gonna spam that?

    • @madisonmahlendorf2272
      @madisonmahlendorf2272 Před 7 měsíci

      Its just like any other treatment or therapy... its not one size fits all.

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před 4 měsíci

      @@madisonmahlendorf2272 It still has problems.

  • @janette4759
    @janette4759 Před rokem +31

    ABA Therapy caused psychological trauma to my child, the therapist was really strict with my 4 year old boy. I canceled the therapy. I got tired to switch so many times agencies.

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před rokem +10

      I'm so sorry to hear that this happened...if you're looking for an infinitely more positive approach, my online courses can help you teach him yourself from the comfort of your own home. For more information, join me for a free workshop here: www.marybarbera.com/workshops.

    • @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks
      @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks Před rokem +11

      Is there proof it was caused by ABA therapy, or was it a bad practitioner? Or could the trauma be from other events in the environment, such as what is going on in the home?

    • @wyattandrachelmortensen
      @wyattandrachelmortensen Před rokem +24

      I am autistic and wished that I had some kind of ABA therapy growing up. Not to teach me to mask my symptoms but to push me enough to get out of comfort zone and become the person I was meant to be.
      I believe that bad ABA experiences come from bad untrained ABA therapists that push too much and cause the child the go into sensory overload. There needs to be a balance of pushing but not too much.
      And ABA therapists definitely need to NOT try to get rid of autistic stimming because that is the way that an autistic child coops with sensory overload. If the ABA therapists are seeing stimming then it probably means that one they pushed too much or two the child was already in sensory overload to begin. So I believe ABA therapy itself isn’t harmful but the way that the therapist administers can be very harmful and unethical.
      ABA therapy has to always be individualized and child led.
      Sorry for your bad experience though. These kind of experiences that I hear is why I want to go into the special needs field so that they can get good high quality care. ❤❤❤

    • @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks
      @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks Před rokem

      @@wyattandrachelmortensen You get it. Thank you for your honest and informed post.

    • @anaquijano3662
      @anaquijano3662 Před rokem +2

      So sorry to hear that 😢

  • @reneedubuc3712
    @reneedubuc3712 Před 9 měsíci +13

    I found this helpful. Mary, I would love it if you had more resources for adults with autism. I wasn’t diagnosed until 22 years old, so I received very little support as a child

  • @thatdailymama
    @thatdailymama Před 2 lety +25

    As a mom going through the diagnostic process with my daughter I am very confused and stressed about ABA. I find it really hard to find information that shows the whole picture

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety +8

      Ultimately, whatever therapy you do, the most important part is being highly involved and ensuring you are comfortable with everything that happens. Listen to my podcast about how to choose a right provider here marybarbera.com/tameika-meadows-finding-good-aba-therapy/
      You also may want to sign up for my free workshop as then you can learn how to help her and advocate for better services www.marybarbera.com/workshops

    • @emmacarter3294
      @emmacarter3294 Před 2 lety +3

      Occupational therapy is a great resource

    • @emmacarter3294
      @emmacarter3294 Před 2 lety +3

      I would research multiple perspectives from autistic adults.

    • @MaskMastic
      @MaskMastic Před 2 lety +2

      @@marybarbera As a college student who is learning this with a fresh mind please do not do this to your child. it is really abusive if you are not careful about who the therapist is. The same principles used in ABA are used in gay conversion therapy. All you are doing is teaching your child to hide who they are.

    • @pardonmyfrench4760
      @pardonmyfrench4760 Před 2 lety +3

      @@emmacarter3294 occupational therapy and ABA are two completely different fields. OT does not address severe and harmful behaviors exhibited by autistic individuals

  • @jewelhoward8905
    @jewelhoward8905 Před 2 lety +18

    My son is about to start but I asked the lady could I stay there when my son go because it’s so far. She said I can sit in the waiting room. Why parents can’t sit in the room where he’s getting his aba at? What they don’t want me to see? I thought she would let me sit back there

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety +5

      Yes, I agree with you that I would also want to see! You can call around to other providers who are interested in your collaboration.

    • @Kennylovessandwiches
      @Kennylovessandwiches Před 2 lety +13

      Jewel, the reason they won’t let you back there is not because they don’t want you to see what’s going with YOUR child, but rather because it’s a HIPPA violation for you to be present if OTHER children are present. It’s considered a medical service, so HIPPA confidentiality rules apply. It would be the same as you sitting in on a random kids medical appointment with their pediatrician

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před rokem +2

      @@Kennylovessandwiches Your point?

    • @Kennylovessandwiches
      @Kennylovessandwiches Před rokem +6

      My point is that they’re not trying to be secretive or hold services without parents present for malicious reasons. They’re protecting themselves from a lawsuit for breaking HIPPA privacy laws, which is illegal.

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před rokem +1

      @@Kennylovessandwiches Explain that better, please.

  • @bronzed_in_chocolate
    @bronzed_in_chocolate Před 2 měsíci

    Thank you for this interview!!!!

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 měsíci

      I'm so happy you liked it! If you're ever looking for more resources, visit MaryBarbera.com/links-yt

  • @JustJane-co8or
    @JustJane-co8or Před 2 měsíci

    It's all about how it's administered. It's hard for parents to know what to do when there are also charlatans promoting "brain balance" methodology that cons parents into thinking that their child's autism will be "cured." I have a relative who is using this method (paid $12K so far) and her son is becoming more entrenched in self-stimulation and less reachable by any proven methods of education or therapies. What's happening to students who have no ability to self-regulate and do not follow rules when they reach a special education programs is that they're often just left alone as they age because they're so physically combative, teachers fear--or have experienced-- injury attempting to do simple things --like walk a student with ASD to lunch or help them to the restroom. Parents report that they go out of the way to avoid their teenage children who are combative and noncompliant with cares. This leads to a adult who cannot function without the help of others and may not accept that help when it's given. Structure is important. We all are taught rules and compliance so we don't hurt each other or ourselves or walk around in soiled clothing and refuse to let others help us. I've seen this. I wish it weren't true. My students who went through ABA are thriving. It's all about the administration.

  • @rickwrites2612
    @rickwrites2612 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Wait so he wasn't put through ABA? Do people who are have good things to say about it?

    • @Angel.-dust3620
      @Angel.-dust3620 Před 3 měsíci

      Not those I’ve met, they have just complained and said it’s scary, regardless, stimming doesn’t need to be stopped most times, if it does, you find another stim to replace the harmful one/s, most methods are safe though and ABA is not needed in most cases:)

  • @elizabethhouseman9260
    @elizabethhouseman9260 Před 2 lety +41

    Wow, I really appreciate this perspective! I am graduating with my Bachelor's in Psychology this semester and am SO on the fence about a career in ABA. Thanks for this video!

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety +3

      Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Thank you for watching and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

    • @jacencade4019
      @jacencade4019 Před 2 lety +1

      Do NOT support this abusive dehumanizing pseudoscience.
      People who don't talk and think like you deserve to be treated with the same dignity and respect you expect to be treated with. This "therapy" is degrading ineffective and abusive.

    • @jacencade4019
      @jacencade4019 Před 2 lety +2

      Autistic people should be allowed to say no. Especially to this creep.

    • @drugstore999cowgrl
      @drugstore999cowgrl Před rokem +2

      Here's hoping you didn't......

    • @fredsmith8498
      @fredsmith8498 Před 9 měsíci +1

      I am a physician. IMHO, ABA will be of lees significance in the future. DIR is much less expensive with equivalent outcomes. When I have been to an ABA conference I am the only Doctor there. When I go to a DIR conference there are many Physicians and PhD’s. The science behind DIR is much richer and proven.

  • @patriciascali7017
    @patriciascali7017 Před 2 lety +15

    As an educator working with children on the spectrum a video like this is so inspiring. I am so glad that I found this channel.

  • @EamonWill
    @EamonWill Před 2 měsíci +2

    This video is pointless. For all of his insistence on demanding facts from people who oppose him, neither he nor you gave any facts at all. In fact, you didn't say anything of any substance.

  • @veronicaacevedo4353
    @veronicaacevedo4353 Před rokem +2

    I live in Puerto Rico, and I'm struggling to find professionals for ABA Therapy for my 4 year old son, because we're short of professionales here in the island. Where i can find online courses for parents, specially in spanish language so we can help our son in our home? my son cant waste more time.
    Actually my son is receiving dysphagia , occupational, speech and phsycological therapy and is in a classroom specially for autism. But was referred to evaluation and aba therapy and we still don't have a solution.
    Thank You.
    Anxious and desperate mom

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před rokem

      I understand where you're coming from. I'd love it if you joined my online course, as you will definitely feel supported and helped there. For more info, join a free workshop here: www.marybarbera.com/workshops

  • @Island_boyjason
    @Island_boyjason Před 2 lety +1

    What a wonderful video, this is the hope I needed thank u so much

  • @masonruesch3430
    @masonruesch3430 Před 2 lety +15

    This video spoke volumes to me. Thank you for what you're doing. My wife and I have had MANY conversations about whether ABA was the best thing for our 5 year old son with Autism. The therapists comments were just what I needed to hear.

    • @ddoll128
      @ddoll128 Před 2 lety +10

      As a mom who also had to think of this as well, the best you can do is try... it was the best thing we did for our son...he is thriving right now. Tantrums down to hardly any, learning new ways of doing things and speaking. Understanding emotions his and others... my son wasn't diagnosed until he was 5..he is now 6...we started ABA in February of this year.

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety +2

      Thanks for sharing. Being highly involved and ensuring that you are comfortable with what is happening is the most important!

    • @captaincosback323
      @captaincosback323 Před 2 lety

      Do not put your son into ABA, if you already have then take him out, ABA is abusive and anyone that supports it is misinformed, the only thing that ABA teaches your child is that he will have to mask his Autisim.

    • @danielmoore4024
      @danielmoore4024 Před rokem +1

      @@ddoll128
      See the results in 20 years time, be prepared for disappointment as your son will not be motivated to live an independent life by you destroying his intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivators.
      Who's going to reinforce the behaviour in adulthood? ABA itself by its own principles claims behaviours only occur if they're reinforced. Anyone who does ABA is more than clearly uneducated and do not care about the children, ABA workers are more like scientologists, not scientists.

    • @2cleverbyhalf
      @2cleverbyhalf Před rokem

      @Lucas Milito Why are you pushing herbs to help eye contact. If someone doesn't want to make eye contact leave them alone.

  • @loveyourmotherland
    @loveyourmotherland Před rokem +14

    Thank you this is great! I was autistic as a child and have been afraid of how to approach helping parents, and speaking my thoughts, because I have been afraid of having everything I say discounted and tainted if I mention that I have first hand experience with Autism, and also at the same time, I've been afraid of discounted and beaten at by the Autistic community. I'm glad to see some middle ground, some space in-between here, that embraces healing is possible

    • @wickjezek5093
      @wickjezek5093 Před rokem +3

      Your experience is valid. The autistic community is exacting in language use and hates the words "recovered" or "cured." The protective nature is a common feature in Disability Culture - Autistic Culture and Deaf Culture have many values in common.
      Perhaps saying you "moved off the spectrum" or "no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for autism" to lead the conversation.

    • @PeteS_1994
      @PeteS_1994 Před 11 měsíci +20

      Isn’t autism different brain wiring. You can’t stop being autistic. You either are or aren’t. That’s what I understand.

    • @loveyourmotherland
      @loveyourmotherland Před 11 měsíci

      @@PeteS_1994 Everyone is wired differently. Those with Autism have different wiring, but the Autism itself isn't in the wiring. The nerves start to develop a few weeks into gestation. No one can go against their wiring for too long... yet Autism is not in the wiring, it's a state. Autism is an unnatural state of being, and no one needs to have it. In my opinion.

    • @Ninsidhe
      @Ninsidhe Před 10 měsíci +4

      @@wickjezek5093 or saying 'can now successfully mask so profoundly that mainstream normative culture no longer finds any of my behaviours and natural self problematic' is another way of putting it. Because I too learned how to 'successfully mask' my natural state into a permanent state of internal distress but hey, it kept all the NTs happy! Bleh.

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@loveyourmotherland Your opinion doesn't match the facts.

  • @whtplstc
    @whtplstc Před 7 měsíci

    Hi Mary, thank you so much for making this video. It's great to hear Armando's story.

  • @ddoll128
    @ddoll128 Před 2 lety +13

    This channel has helped me tremendously! Thank you for what you do for this community.... my son has benefited from ABA tremendously!! He is more verbal, can handle his emotions, has learned so much skills. Thank you for what you ALL do !!

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety

      Wonderful! thanks for sharing! I appreciate you watching.

    • @ig-101magnaguard7
      @ig-101magnaguard7 Před 2 lety +4

      What are you talking about it probably ruined his lifr

    • @jmiss7701
      @jmiss7701 Před rokem

      @@ig-101magnaguard7 ruined his life how?

    • @voiceofreason2691
      @voiceofreason2691 Před rokem +3

      @@jmiss7701 Because ABA, most of the time, is abusive

    • @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks
      @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks Před rokem +3

      @@voiceofreason2691 is it? Can you cite your sources? That is a pretty large accusation. I'll take your silence as "No, I don't have any proof other than what I regurgitate on biased forums"

  • @wearesolarfarmers
    @wearesolarfarmers Před rokem +12

    I am an autistic, my son who has Autism ABA has a safer body, He is allowed to stem.

  • @pagekat
    @pagekat Před 2 lety +28

    Please discuss ABA as administered by people with only a high school diploma who have simply passed a 40 hour certification. This guy is great, but has a Masters degree.

    • @revishon
      @revishon Před 2 lety +18

      Honestly i just went through the 40hrs of training with no degree- and this comment lacks nuance. Of course kids need quality practitioners for aba to be effective. I can understand the perspective you've taken, but please consider that people have to start somewhere. It takes hard work to grasp everything enough to pass the exam. As well, proper aba has an interal hierarchical structure that supports the newer lower level associates/technicians. Im going to provide my kids with the highest quality service i can possibly provide with explicit detail on ethics and life-skill acquisition. I can only imagine your words come from a place of experience, that i cant speak for. I honor your words and desire to share. But i do implore you to consider that even the most qualified person in the field right now had to start somewhere. It is a difficult field, the stakes are high, and you are right- people should be qualified- but how else do you actually get there other than hands on experience under the guidance of someone who knows what they are doing on a deeper level. That person is not me yet, but it will be in time.

    • @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks
      @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks Před rokem +10

      ABA can be done by anybody. Practitioners teach parents how to run the interventions in the home setting. It's not rocket science, but higher level degrees are required for the constructing of interventions, assessments, and the such

    • @Zee-nd6hc
      @Zee-nd6hc Před rokem +8

      The programs are literally written step by step.. As the therapist all you’re doing is following instructions written BY the people with the degrees so that is why

    • @tiffanydunkle3337
      @tiffanydunkle3337 Před rokem +4

      @@revishon
      I did appreciate your comment.
      A lot of therapists have been in the field many years. Becoming a BCBA (masters) puts you in a position of not having as much direct one on one time with a child.
      Which of course is because you’re spending time doing assessments, writing programs, graphing, etc which is the most essential part.
      Some people stay in that spot though (therapist role) simply because they appreciate and love that direct one on one time with a child.
      Moving up in the field takes away that time that some of us appreciate the most.

    • @tiffanymartin8097
      @tiffanymartin8097 Před rokem +9

      I’ve seen more harm done by people with degrees and egos coming than folks with a high school diploma in ABA. Force feeding children, restraining them to sit in a chair…. The list goes on.

  • @elenagonzalez5183
    @elenagonzalez5183 Před rokem

    Does ABA only for autism diagnose?

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před rokem +3

      Nope! ABA strategies, especially the ones presented in my online courses, are beneficial to any developing child! Visit a free workshop for more information: www.marybarbera.com/workshops

  • @madz2013
    @madz2013 Před 2 lety +10

    I have worked in ABA for 5 years now and am planning on becoming a BCBA. I didn't know the controversy until a couple years in. Thank you so much for your view on this. It makes me feel more confident in my decision

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 2 lety

      thanks for watching

    • @e.t.2437
      @e.t.2437 Před 2 lety +17

      Because your client's thoughts, feelings, and preferences for therapy are intentionally left out of the process. ABA measures its core constructs (e.g., 'social validity') primarily through the observation of non-client stakeholders such as teachers and parents. That's by design. If ABA therapists knew how much pain they often cause to autistic people, many would choose not to be part of a highly profitable business. And we can't have that, can we?

    • @c.c.l.9139
      @c.c.l.9139 Před rokem +1

      Get a different career that doesn't involve abusing kids.

  • @jambothejoyful2966
    @jambothejoyful2966 Před 11 měsíci

    I cant believe that buttoned clothing is an Sd of mine, I am able to tell myself the buttons aren’t evil but until middle school the sight of buttoned shirts was something that made me mad lol

  • @AnkhInfinitus
    @AnkhInfinitus Před měsícem

    It "doesn't need to be the case" that autism means a person's life is over? Why are you entertaining the notion that it COULD mean that? What a ridiculous thing to say.

  • @hamzataleb6002
    @hamzataleb6002 Před 2 lety +6

    I heard that they use electric shot therapy for autistic children in ABA. Is this true because I just enrolled my 2 years old. This is really scares me to death if this is true. Please let me know if this is correct? Thank you 🙏

    • @haleyconway7425
      @haleyconway7425 Před 2 lety +12

      Hello! I’m an RBT. I just began working for a company, and we do not use punishment in any way. Especially shocking children, that’s terrible. If you’re nervous, you could ask to observe sessions and see what you think, or if the RBT is a good fit for you and your child or not. Being comfortable is very important to help building a relationship between family, RBT, and your child ☺️

    • @haleyconway7425
      @haleyconway7425 Před 2 lety +2

      Always feel free to speak your mind about anything. What you like, what you don’t like, asking questions to understand ABA better. The parents should be involved and aware, because you’re the ones around your children most of the time. We want to to carry out what you learn when we’re not here

    • @hamzataleb6002
      @hamzataleb6002 Před 2 lety +1

      @@haleyconway7425 Thank you so much for taking the time to explain theses things. Really appreciate it 🙏

    • @dolphone6748
      @dolphone6748 Před 2 lety

      ok so it's just the Judge Rotenburg Centre who do that. BUT aba is still highly abusive and problematic. I don't know if they adressed this in the video. as I am just about to watch this. but there is a video by Paige Layle. you can watch it here czcams.com/video/94sy4YrUGRk/video.html (also I don't know if the link will work so just select the link and right click then click "go to czcams.com/video/94sy4YrUGRk/video.html") this video explains it very well, directly from an autistic adult's perspective.

    • @haleyconway7425
      @haleyconway7425 Před 2 lety +12

      @@dolphone6748 I agree that some ABA companies do not properly train their employees. It can absolutely be problematic and harmful if the child’s personal goals are not kept in mind, as well as their interests. That doesn’t mean all are. People use ABA in their daily lives - it’s all about behavioral learning. It can be used in sports and athletic training and in everyone’s personal lives. It’s all about learning behaviors, sometimes as simple as learning how to use a spoon or count numbers, skills that we’ve all learned. I do a lot of play with my clients, allow them to choose where they want to sit or be, allow them multiple toys they love as reinforcers (they can play with anything they want), and I try to make the setting as naturalistic as possible. I allow my kids to stim as much as they want, which is important. There are so many things I’ve learned as a new RBT. not all of us are bad ☺️

  • @authordanplouff
    @authordanplouff Před 2 lety +1

    great job 🙂 ... :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

  • @ujoepost
    @ujoepost Před 7 měsíci

    I'm just starting my ABA career

  • @fredsmith8498
    @fredsmith8498 Před 11 měsíci +3

    I used DIR and verbal ABA with my son as recommended by the founder of Floortime, Stanley Greenspan, MD. The combination was successful and significantly more cost effective. We provided 15 hours of Floortime at home and 10 hours of verbal ABA. This needs to be the future of treatment of autism, mixing the scientifically proven therapies adjusted to each child. This is the future-providing quality treatment at much less cost.

    • @marybarbera
      @marybarbera  Před 10 měsíci

      Thank you for sharing.

    • @Eyerusalem_
      @Eyerusalem_ Před 10 měsíci

      Who provides DIR am interested. Thank you

    • @pardonmyfrench4760
      @pardonmyfrench4760 Před 9 měsíci

      I love this. Although Floortime does not have as much empirical evidence as ABA, I think it is up and coming. The combination sounds wonderful

    • @fredsmith8498
      @fredsmith8498 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@pardonmyfrench4760 It is a common error to believe Floortime has “less empirical evidence”. Evidence is not judged by quantity but by quality. The floortime evidence has the same quality data.

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před 9 měsíci

      ​@@pardonmyfrench4760How can you say there's no evidence?

  • @steffiec6805
    @steffiec6805 Před rokem +6

    Where would Helen Keller be without the teacher that never gave up on her

    • @lauriecfano
      @lauriecfano Před rokem +8

      Did Helen’s teacher train her to be compliant like a dog? No, she worked to understand helen and found a way to reach her and teach her while being respectful of her differences. Big difference between that and ABA!

    • @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks
      @IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@lauriecfano oof. Sorry you don't understand the science of behavior

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před 8 měsíci +3

      @@IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks How many times are you gonna spam that comment?

    • @frillylily8005
      @frillylily8005 Před 7 měsíci +4

      @@IcanSeeMyselfOutThanks You don’t treat people like animal to teach them behavior

    • @filipeflower
      @filipeflower Před 4 měsíci

      @@frillylily8005 Ignore that black circle user. He's been caught trolling a lot of people already.