#Benefits of ABA therapy for autism

[autismcenterofexcellence]

7 Major Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy for Children with Autism

The choice of the proper therapy plan for your child with autism is a critical decision. Among the different approaches, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has proven to be one of the most effective methods. When provided in a structured center-based setting, it offers unique benefits that can significantly enhance the development and learning experiences of children with autism. 

If you’re considering a center-based ABA therapy program, here’s an insightful look at the advantages that make it a standout option for your child. 

1. Structured Environment Promotes Focus  

A center-based setting is designed especially for therapy sessions, free from all distractions that may be present in the home. The controlled environment helps a child focus entirely on his learning goals, thus optimizing the potential of each session. Consistency in the surroundings allows children to create routines, which have positive effects on their development. 

For example, a study of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reported that predictable and structured environments significantly decrease anxiety and increase participation for children with autism. 

2. Access to Specialized Resources and Equipment  

Center-based ABA Therapy facilities are equipped with a range of tools and resources tailored to meet the individual needs of children with autism. These resources are often difficult to replicate in a home environment. 

From sensory play areas to visual aids and adaptive learning technology, these specialized tools are designed to Enhance Skills In Communication, social interaction, and problem-solving. For example, children with autism may find it challenging to regulate their senses, for which sensory toys such as textured mats or calming lights can be used.  

3. Exposure to Peer Interaction  

One of the greatest advantages of center-based ABA therapy is that it offers a child an opportunity to engage with peers in a supported environment. Group activities or play sessions facilitate the development of social skills, which most children with autism often lack. 

This way, the children can also practice such skills as turning and talking in a group that they have learned in real-life situations. Social interaction would bring along a feeling of community as well as enhanced confidence in addressing people.  

4. Highly Trained Professionals  

ABA Center-based treatment gives children comprehensive care from certified practitioners, like Board-Certified Behavior Analysts and senior therapists. Together, the team of certified professionals develop individually designed treatment plans in response to the unique needs of a child. 

A Center-based ABA therapy also gives the reassurance of evidence-based best practice that is backed with expertise and extensive training and experience by the treating therapist.  

5. Group and Individual Sessions  

A center environment provides a unique combination of individualized instruction and group sessions. This flexibility ensures that your child's specific needs are being addressed, while also allowing them to practice learned skills in group settings. 

For example, in one-on-one session, your child may focus on behavioral goals such as making eye contact. The same skills are then applied to a group session where they relate with others, simulating actual experiences.  

6. Faster Skill Generalization  

Center-based ABA therapy employs controlled scenarios that enable a child to generalize skills. Generalization means that they can apply the learned skills in different settings. For instance, if a child learns to share during a session, then it becomes easy for them to apply the behavior at home, school, or even in public spaces. 

The advantage of such therapy is that the acquired skills are not confined to a session but rather become part of their life.  

7. Support for Parents and Families  

Many centers also have parent and family support programs to make sure you are prepared with the information and tools to extend learning at home. Often these sessions include parent training, workshops, or review of progress that keep you engaged and actively involved in your Child's Development. 

Having access to professionals who can guide you means you're never navigating this process alone—a crucial element in creating a collaborative approach to your child's therapy.  

Helping Your Child Thrive  

Center-based ABA therapy offers a unique, collaborative, structured, and highly effective approach. This promotes focus and peer interaction, making use of highly trained professionals and specialized resources that have far-reaching benefits beyond the center to develop lifelong skills and independence for children with autism. 

Looking for the right center-based ABA program for your child? The Autism Center of Excellence is here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can craft a personalized plan for your child's growth and success.

[shreyajainblogs]

Discover the transformative power of ABA therapy with Kids Neuro Clinic in Dubai, where experienced therapists help children with autism achieve remarkable milestones. ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a proven approach that enhances communication, social skills, and independence through personalized strategies tailored to each child’s needs. By fostering meaningful social interactions, improving behavioral management, and building essential life skills, ABA therapy empowers children to navigate daily challenges with confidence. At Kids Neuro Clinic, the focus is on creating lasting, positive changes that support your child’s growth, enabling them to thrive in every aspect of life. Unlock your child’s potential and experience the six life-changing benefits of ABA therapy today!

[neurodivergent-willow]

"Theres no resources for autistic adults!!! So theres no point in a late autism diagnosis!!!"

Day groups, disability benefits, ST, OT, PT, ABA, music therapy, art therapy, doctors, dietitians, assisted living, random specific government plans, i could go on, but you get the idea.

When you say theres no resources for us, you really mean theres no resources for YOU that YOU are aware you can access that YOU would benefit from

Stop telling people theres no benefit to a late diagnosis in terms of getting services and support, there is lots you just arent aware because you either dont need them or have just never heard about then before

Stop discouraging people from getting late diagnosed for this particular reason because its just not true

[hello-nichya-here]

Did Sia insult topic of autism somehow?

Oh honey, it's sooooooooo much worse than that.

Sia wanted to make a movie about an autistic girl that manages to connect to people/feel safe and confident through music. So far, nothing outrageous, just a simple concept that would obviously put Sia's music front and center while doing something nice and educating people on autism.

There was controversy about her not casting an autistic actress as it would have been nice representation, but she could have totally gotten away with that since, come on, hollywood hasn't even figured out Rain Man isn't exactly true to life, they're not ready to have an autistic person playing an autistic character. Baby steps.

The real problem started when Sia started promoting the "charity/support group" that was helping "educate" her on the topic to make the movie. The "charity" in question was Autism Speaks - which is absolutely HATED by the autistic community for things like:

1 - Spreading the myth that autism is a mental illness that one can develop/catch like the freaking flue and potentially be cured of, instead of a neurotype, aka something starts in the woomb and cannot be "cured" because to do that you'd need to replace someone's entire nervous system, which is impossible.

2 - Using that myth to get outrageous amounts of money from people so they "search for a cure" - that doesn't exist and will never exist because curing autism is biologically impossible, AND despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of autistic people don't even want to be "cured" (plus, since said "cure" would essentially mean giving the person a new brain, it leads to the question of "Would I even be the same person, or would that just kill and replace me?")

3 - Using the myth of "We don't know what causes autism" (we do, it's genetic) to, of course, get MORE money from people so they can "do research to find the missing puzzle piece" (if you ever see autistic people complaining about a puzzle piece being used to represent the condition, that's why, it was started by Autism Speak's massive disinformation campains).

4 - Falsely "confirming" things like soy milk cause autism with one of the world's most ridiculous "research", losing only to "vaccines totally make kids autistic, buy MY vaccine instead, guys, I am totally not an unbelievably biased person, it's ALL the other doctors/scientists lying to you. GIVE ME MONEY!"

5 - Pushing the narrative of "autism is inherently a tragedy" to distract from the fact that all the money they waste on stupid shit could be used to help autistic people and their families. Instead, they focus on creating more and more panic, making parents in particular despair even more - to the point that one of their "awareness videos" includes a mother talking about how she wants to murder her autistic daughter and then kill herself... while sitting right next to said daughter.

6 - Promoting ABA "therapy" - which was created by the same guy responsible for the attrocity that is gay conversion "therapy." Both have led to unbelievably high rates of confirmed PTSD and suicidal ideation in patients (victims), and ABA in particular has been compared to literal dog training. Very fitting since it was created by a guy who famously did not believe autistic people truly counted as thinking, feeling human beings, and said as much several times. Despite that, it is still praised by some utter bastards because "it makes the patients act less autistic when they're not crying in the corner or trying to jump out a window"

So yeah, working with these guys is a genuinely horrible thing to do since they're basically a scam/hate group pretending to be a charity - and people were STILL willing to give Sia the benefit of the doubt, since Autism Speak uses all their resources to make sure they're the first thing people see when looking up how to help autistic people.

Lots of Sia's fans, both autistic and allistic, warned her repeatedly, politely, that she needed to supporting them IMMEDIATELY as their goal was the exact opposite of the one she claimed to have - aka raise awareness through an accurate portrail of autism. People were even kind enough to name organizations like ASAN as replacements to help her fix any damage done to the project.

And instead of being a decent human being, Sia decided to cry on twitter about how the mean retar-I mean, autistics were bullying her even when she was so kindly using them for her vanity project.

Because yes, that's how the movie turned out. An unwatcheable piece of garbage, with the autistic "character" being so fucking bad even the people who actively use "autistic" as insulted being offended on our behalf - and of course, she was used just a prop to show how awesome Sia's character was.

Seriously, it was so bad the actress playing the autistic girl was sobbing in between scenes because she knew how it was horrible and she didn't want to insult anyone, but Sia is literally her godmother and helped her career by putting her in nearly all her music videos so she felt obligated to go along with it.

So yeah, fuck Sia and fuck Autism Speaks.

[wheelie-sick]

this is going to be a long post, it's kinda just me writing all my raw unfiltered thoughts on ABA therapy as someone who actually went through it

-> TW for ABA therapy, child abuse, suicide <-

I was functionally diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 but it wasn't until I was 13 that I was actually formally evaluated for it and given an official diagnosis. I was behind in social skills and developmental skills

[ID: "was also described as a sensory seeker. She does not currently have any friends and has struggled to make and maintain peer relationships throughout her childhood. Difficulties with social skills were initially noted when she was in preschool (years before the onset of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and"]

[ID: "Social functions: [blank]'s mother also completed a questionnaire rating her social responsiveness. Her responses on the SRS-2 indicated that [blank] is demonstrating severe deficits in the areas of Social Communication (reciprocal social interaction and nonverbal and verbal communication), Social Motivation (motivation to engage in social-interpersonal behavior) and Social Awareness (perceiving social cues) and moderate deficits in the areas of Social Cognition (understanding social cues). Severe Repetitive and Restrictive Behaviors (stereotypical behaviors or highly restricted interests) were also reported. The total T-score on the SRS-2 indicates severe deficiencies in reciprocal behavior that are likely to result in interference in everyday social interaction"]

[ID: "%ile) are mildly impaired, while her social skills are moderately impaired (2nd %ile). By domain, demonstrates mildly to moderately impaired abilities in six adaptive skills areas, including self care (9th %ile), communication (5th %ile), home living (5th %ile), self-direction (2nd %ile), social (2nd %ile), and leisure (1st %ile)"]

and ultimately all this ended up with the number one recommendation after my autism evaluation being for ABA therapy.

[ID: "Recommendations: Based on the above results, the following recommendations are made for [blank] and her family.

1. ABA therapy: [blank] May benefit from an intensive treatment program to foster cognitive and communication skills, improve independence and adaptive functioning, and help manage interfering behaviors (i.e home-based, 1:1 instruction, task analysis, etc.) Most private and community programs are based on principals of operant conditioning and taught in home with 1:1 instruction"]

*I'm getting misgendered here. my pronouns are he/him

"operant conditioning"-- like a dog 🐕🐕. woof woof.

my mom didn't know any better so she put me in ABA therapy with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. she regrets this. I regret this more.

my autism evaluation was cruel, it dissected all my flaws as if I was a bug under a microscope in a highschool laboratory. my evaluation was passed around to ABA therapists, a line of high schoolers peering through the microscope examining the most vulnerable parts of me.

and I choose the highschool analogy quite deliberately. most of the ABA therapists at my center were recent highschool graduates with no degree and little training. they knew nothing about autism and had no qualifications. you need more certificates to become a professional dog trainer than to become a professional human trainer.

"operant conditioning"

and I wish I could say it was just a poor choice of words but ABA therapy was dog training for children. my dad used to call me an "it" and somehow I felt less dehumanized by that than the entire experience I had in ABA therapy.

I was the oldest person at my center (I did not receive in home therapy) with the next oldest being approximately 3 years younger than me. at the time I felt babied. I was surrounded by 5 year olds and I was treated as if I was not just a 5 year old but an autistic 5 year old and anyone who has been a visibly autistic 5 year old knows what that feels like. I had escaped being an autistic child and now I was being treated like one again. The head of the program tried to console me by telling me adults received their services too.

[ID: "Following the principles of applied behavior analysis, CARD has developed a treatment approach for children and adolescents with"]

this was the first lie they told me. CARD does not work with adults.

I was not allowed the privileges of being a 13 year old. because I was an autistic 13 year old and therefore I was the equivalent of a 5 year old. I was in psychotherapy at the same time and I had grown very accustomed to some level of freedom in therapy. I was allowed to use the bathroom independently. in ABA therapy I was not allowed to use the bathroom independently. I tried once, me and my therapist were on an "outing" to the grocery store and I told my therapist I was going to the bathroom and walked off and I got a very stern talking to about how I needed to "stop eloping" and if I didn't stop it would "become a behavior"

eloping became a common theme used to control me and squeeze money out of my parents.

out of everything I hated in my life, including severe physical abuse at home (which they did not report), I hated ABA therapy the most. I would repeatedly make serious threats of suicide to try to get out of ABA. no one cared. everyone thought I was being dramatic but there were times I wrote out suicide notes and ABA was among the reasons I listed. ABA made me feel hopeless, depressed, revolting, disgusting, inferior, and less than human. between ABA, my home life, and my social life I had never felt so hated and it was boiling through my skin. I acted out, I was bullying people, I was behaving recklessly, I was starting fights, and all this only made the oppressive force of ABA crack down on me harder. I was a cat hissing in the corner begging to be left alone and ABA brought a net to try to tame me further. every time I scratched back it was listed as a reason I needed to be there.

I was "disruptive" and "rebellious" and "uncooperative" and "resistant to treatment" and no one could figure out why I was "regressing" despite me shouting the answer. I was screaming and no one was willing to hear me

I hated myself and my autism. my autism diagnosis made me want to die. I didn't feel freed by it or understood I felt ashamed and disgusted. I felt incompetent and like I had failed. I was ashamed to be at ABA, it was my biggest secret. I'd lie to my friends about why I couldn't hang out and I'd lie to people in public about who the woman I was with was and I'd lie about all of it to try to cover up my most shameful secret.

ABA therapy did nothing but foster this. In ABA therapy I was mocked for being autistic and what was happening only clicked when a young kid, maybe only 4 or 5, was flapping his hands and a therapist took out her phone and recorded him. we were circus animals. it was all an entertaining show to them while they poked and prodded at us with metaphorical hot irons to make us dance. the first time a therapist laughed at me for rocking back and forth I wanted to throw up. I almost did. it was systematic bullying of children I was forced to watch and experience.

my point is: the last place on earth I wanted to be was the ABA center.

so of course I tried to leave. my mom would bring me McDonald's and I'd beg, sobbing real tears, to leave early because only she could sign me out. every time I'd go to meet her I'd be marked as "eloping" and my hotel stay in hell would get extended.

my natural response to a stressful environment (leaving) was pathologized. I was eloping this way and that way and never once did I actually, truly elope. that word was a weapon used against me. they used my "elopement" to justify extending my stay to my parents. they ate it right up.

they argued I needed to stay there because I was making friends. this was true, I'm great at getting along with children it's part of why I want to go into pediatrics, but I had also made real friends with people my age at my highschool. ABA was getting in the way. I wanted to spend time with my friends outside of school but ABA took up all my time from the minute I left school to 6pm and all day on weekends. I was doing a full time job's worth of hours. I complained about how I was missing out on spending time with my real friends (as in, over the age of 7) and I was met with almost no wiggle room in my schedule. I was allowed to pre-plan time to spend with friends but every time my friend group wanted to do something spontaneously? I had to say no, and I had to lie about why. my friends would share stories about driving around town with 2 people in the group stuffed in the trunk, of hanging out in the woods together, of taking part in ordinary highschool activities as ordinary high schoolers and it made me cry because I was not an ordinary highschooler and I was not allowed to participate in ordinary highschool activities. I was one of those weird, unpleasant, socially awkward autistic people instead. eventually, they just stopped inviting me. I was forced into the out group by ABA.

I'll never get that back. I'll never get a chance to be a normal highschooler ever again.

when I did have time available to hang out with people I never had the energy to. at the time I was living with an undiagnosed physical disability and I was begging to see a doctor but no one would believe that it wasn't just anxiety. the people who believed me least of all were the people at the center.

I was constantly told I was trying to get out of therapy by "feigning" very real pain and fatigue. I tried to explain spoon theory, and that I had limited spoons, and in response they made a task for me to name things to "regenerate spoons" that's not how it works. I wasn't the only physically disabled person there. there was a wheelchair user who was constantly forced to stand for periods of time despite being in agony doing it. he wasn't allowed rewards until he did it.

rewards were used to train us like dog treats are used with dogs. sometimes the treats were fun! I'd get to cook, play Mario kart, and go on outings. other times the treats were "using the correct name and pronouns for me." I'd constantly be threatened with deadnaming and misgendering if I was being "noncompliant."

misgendering because of my autism was a theme in my life. my neuropsych evaluation report misgendered me. my parents misgendered me. the staff at ABA misgendered me. at one point the head of the program suggested that my "gender confusion" was because of my autism. my abusive father latched onto this and still claims that the reason I'm "confused" about my gender is because the evil transgenders tricked me into thinking I'm one of them because I'm autistic and therefore easily impressionable.

the two therapists I had were nice because I refused to work with the others. they weren't on a power trip and both eventually left because they realized the harm the organization was doing. other therapists were not so kind. other therapists were on a power trip, because in their mind lording over autistic 5 year olds (and autistic 14 year olds) makes them powerful and strong. occasionally I'd get stuck with one of the other therapists when my usual therapists were out. they would talk to me in a baby voice. they would make fun of me for rocking back and forth, for not making eye contact, for talking about Skyrim "too much" and generally just for being autistic.

I never really knew what I was supposed to be doing, just that I was doing it wrong. the therapists there rarely actually told me what my tasks were they'd just mark yes or no on them, judging me for something I wasn't aware of. I was never actually supposed to graduate, I was never supposed to get out, if they wanted me to succeed they would have taught and explained what was happening but I was intentionally left in the dark.

I continued threatening suicide to get out. no one took me seriously. I was seriously considering it. there's no happy conclusion where someone finally realized it was all wrong, or I figured out how to be allistic and graduated, or I felt more comfortable there. I only got out when covid struck and shut the center down. it's gone now, replaced by a family advice center. I hope their advice for autistic children is to never put them in ABA.

there is no grander message here just suffering. I'm sorry if you were expecting some sort of great point at the end of this. there's not one. it happened, I wish it didn't, and I hope no one else experiences what I did ever again.

okay to reblog

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

No stress if you don't want to discuss this given that awful vaccine ask but my parents have been telling me that apparently ADHD can be caused by fluoride. Upon a quick google search, it seems like there's a few studies but an ABA therapy site says something about fluoride causing autism so I'm inclined to be doubtful of both bc yikes. My parents are also very "yeah but if you could cure your ADHD wouldn't you want to to make your life easier?" so again I'm not inclined to trust them on stuff like this.

*sighs*

Hi there,

I specifically said that I did not want asks like this.

However, I will answer yours because your parents sound just as ignorant than that anon.

Firstly, fluoride is found everywhere. It is in your toothpaste to strengthen your teeth, preventing tooth decay, and also making them more resistant to acids (I think this is referring to fruit juice, but please correct me if I’m wrong). But it can have adverse effects if taken in large quantities, which is very unlikely.

Here are some sources about fluoride and how it affects the body:

I hope these sources help educate you and your parents.

Also, the prevention and cure for ADHD to make your life easier sounds ableist as hell. (Not trying to be mean, just upset and angry that people aren’t willing to do their own research)

I hope this helps. And I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

[weirdo-catkid]

Self diagnosed individuals are valid. Self suspecting individuals are valid. Diagnosed (early or late) individuals are also valid.

I don't like how the formally diagnosed choose to fight with the self diagnosed instead of just talking with them and making a community for all. This stupid infighting only helps the ableists as they are allowed, in a sense, to continue doing us a disservice.

Being self diagnosed takes no resources away from the actually diagnosed. Because, fun fact, you have to be diagnosed in the first place in order to access any kinds of resources one needs to deal with their diagnosed or undiagnosed autism.

The real issue here is that we don't have enough resources that everyone uses, that's nobody's fault. We need more resources that everyone can benefit from, not just the diagnosed autistics. I mean, i have heard of even some Higher Support Needs autistics not having enough resources. In my country, there are waitlists for ABA, among other therapy known to help autistics.

I just wanted to get this rant off my chest because the anti self diagnosis crowd is kind of a cult at this point, even if they say the pro self diagnosis crowd is.

[themetalvirus]

I just can't find information anywhere but knowledgeable people. I'm asking any person who can help me. You see, I am writing a story in which one of the main characters is autistic. There is very little information on the internet about autistics, or it is unreliable.

I want to ask about you have with the world around you. I mean, I've read that some autistic people have an unusual imagination, a vision of events.

i want to give you the benefit of the doubt on this, but it is difficult. just searching "what is it like to have autism" brings up several videos.

make sure to not watch one person and think you get the whole story. one issue i see with a lot of autistic people talking about their experiences is that they assume the way they see the world is THE way autistic people see the world, which is not true - autism is a spectrum, a very diverse experience. if you really want to represent us faithfully, you have to understand more than one perspective. it seems you haven't done even basic research into this, which is disappointing.

this, this, this, this, this (this guy's whole channel seems to be a good resource from the glance i took), this (another great person, familiar with her stuff), this, this, this, and that's literally just the tip of the iceberg on the WEALTH OF INFORMATION on this subject.

most of what came up in that initial search was white people, but DO NOT FORGET TO LISTEN TO AUTISTIC PEOPLE OF COLOR. pay attention to whose voices you are missing in your research. platforms do not make it easy to find creators of color. seek them out. listen to them. videos here, here, here, here, here, here, here.

articles, not videos, here, here, here (ASAN is an excellent resource), here (suspicious website but good quotes), here (seems to be a good website for articles), here, here

book recommendations: the reason i jump and any other book by naoki higashida, literally any book or article from devon price. haven't read many more but literally just googling "books by autistic people" brings up a lot of good stuff

important note for research: ONLY WATCH OR READ THINGS MADE BY AUTISTIC PEOPLE. any "simulators", any "how to cope with autistic family members", any anecdotes from people who are not autistic but claim to be close with autistic people, THROW. THOSE. OUT. throw out anything related to autism speaks, throw out anything related to puzzle piece imagery, throw out anything advocating for ABA therapy, throw out any autism mom blogs. you'll need to skip over half or more of what you see. ONLY listen to words coming DIRECTLY from autistic people.

other things to avoid: "asperger's" (was a nazi, the term is outdated, any place still using it is suspect), functioning labels (high functioning, low functioning), anything about trying to cure or "change" (dogwhistle for cure) autism

i should not have had to do this for you. i don't know how you were looking for information, but the idea that you somehow couldn't find ANY resources from autistic people voluntarily sharing their experiences is deeply suspect.

do not just use the links i have provided. do more research. there is, in fact, a wealth of information on the autistic experience on the internet.

i should not have had to do this for you.

[kabillieu]

When my big kid was first diagnosed, one thing that upset me was that I thought in order to properly advocate for him I had to turn into a mama bear adversarial type of person with an encyclopedic knowledge of his diagnoses. I thought I would have to become a completely different person who rearranged my life around his therapies and doctors appointments and education. I did not want to be this person. I still don't. But that was the only model I could find for an "autism parent." If I did anything differently or if I was less intense about interventions, I felt like I would fail him.

Well, for better or worse, I could not be that person even if I wanted to. I am better at communicating with teachers and administrators now, but I am not a "mama bear" about it. While he did do speech and physical therapy for a while, we chose not to do ABA (which is the standard intensive autism therapy) because it never made sense with regards to how he is personally affected by autism. And then it turns out, among actually autistic adults, there is a lot of skepticism about how helpful ABA is. A lot of people find it abusive, in fact.

The only way I have changed because of my son's autism diagnosis is that I am a much more empathetic person now, with an expansive view of human social behavior. I see neurodiversity everywhere, and I think it is a wonderful thing that we are all so different and quirky as human beings, that we all bring different talents and gifts to the table of humanity. I believe in adaptive devices and supports. I believe in giving others the benefit of the doubt when they express truths about themselves. I believe that the way people experience the world is varied and complex, and that not only is that okay, it's natural and good.

I have a lot more empathy for myself. I used to think I had a lot of faults: a poor memory, poor spacial perception, an inability to articulate my thoughts when under stress, shyness, anxiety, etc. Now I see those traits through a lens of neurodiversity. My brain works differently than other people's, and that's okay because--while I don't have great recall for facts or statistics--I am a deep and curious thinker who is often perceptive and able to make thoughtful connections across various subject matter. I can write very beautiful poetry. I can be a kind person. I am emotionally intelligent.

Anyway, I tell myself mean things sometimes, I can't help it. But being the mother of a neurodivergent child has deepened my understanding of the world instead of hardened me to it, and for that I'm grateful.

[maaarine]

Unmasking Autism (Devon Price, 2022)

"Autistic people find it rejuvenating and stimulating to spend time learning about our special interests.

In studies that examine the lives of Autistic adults, engaging with special interests is positively associated with subjective well-being.

When we get to appreciate our hyperfixations, we feel happier and more satisfied with life.

But for a long time, neurotypical researchers viewed special interests as an impediment to having a “regular” life.

ABA therapists penalize Autistic children for speaking about them, withdrawing attention and affection when the subjects come up.

This trains Autistic kids to hide their deepest joys, and avoid cultivating their passions.

Punishing Autistic children for talking about their special interests is perhaps the most arbitrarily cruel element of ABA therapy. (…)

People who routinely complete eighty-hour workweeks aren’t penalized for being obsessive or hyperfixated; they’re celebrated for their diligence.

If an adult fills their evenings after work learning to code or creating jewelry that they sell on Etsy, they’re seen as enterprising.

But if someone instead devotes their free time to something that gives them pleasure but doesn’t financially benefit anyone, it’s seen as frivolous or embarrassing, even selfish.

In this instance, it’s clear that the punishing rules imposed on Autistic children reflect a much broader societal issue: pleasure and nonproductive, playful time are not valued, and when someone is passionate about the “wrong” things, that passion is discouraged because it presents a distraction from work and other “respectable” responsibilities.

The mental health costs of preventing Autistic children from enjoying their special interests are immense.

Having the freedom to develop and express special interests is linked to improved social, emotional, and even fine motor development.

A survey of Autistic young adults by Teti and colleagues (2016) found that many use their special interests to develop emotional awareness skills and coping strategies.

This frequently plays out in fandoms and nerdy communities, where neurodiverse people with mutual special interests find one another, socialize, and sometimes begin to unmask.

In a study of internet habits, researchers Johnson and Caldwell- Harris (2012) found that Autistic adults actually had a greater variety of interests and more numerous interests than their non-Autistic peers, and made far more social media posts about their interest that were designed to provoke conversation, compared to neurotypical people.

Autistic people are also a foundational part of most fandoms and conventions centered around shared hobbies—we devote a lot of energy to finding and creating spaces where we can interact with people who share our interests, and within nerdy fandom spaces, social norms tend to be more forgiving and relaxed.

It turns out that special interests aid us in becoming more outgoing, well-rounded individuals."

[lightblueminecraftorchid]

part of my job is going on Instagram to see what questions autistic families have

and

I’m getting real sick and tired of “ABA is the perfect therapy which has never had an issue ever and also I will not vaccinate my children because obviously the autism is from vaccine injury”

or

“ABA is 100% abusive and has never benefitted anyone, also if you call your child nonverbal instead of nonspeaking you’re a terrible person, and support levels are ableist BS made up by neurotypicals”.

with very little in between.

I get that autism causes black and white thinking but please golly can there be some nuance on the little camera app.

[graysongoal]

There are so many incorrect viewpoints, misconceptions, and assumptions about what autism is. That makes it even more refreshing when folks like Hank Green cover autism in such a comprehensive way. I had no idea that one possible cause of autism can be excess antibodies folks are exposed to in utero when their birthing parents have an autoimmune disease. Despite being someone involved in research on autoimmune diseases, this was news to me. I also appreciated that he highlights some issues with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA*)... It's important to know that #ActuallyAutistic folks are generally against this practice because it is literally harmful. ABA has been used historically in ways to torture folks into being quiet, including punishments up to receiving electroshock therapy and physical abuse when they fail to follow instructions. The main point of ABA is often to learn how to mask your symptoms so that you're not upsetting the people around you. This shouldn't be surprising, since ABA is directly related to anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy. Both were heavily molded and pioneered by Ivar Lovaas, who seemed to have a real problem with people existing as they are. As someone who is currently learning how to unmask my neurodivergence, I can tell you first-hand that forcing folks to conform creates immense psychological harm, ridiculous levels of stress, trust issues — and contributes to an immense amount of chronic pain. * I am not interested in having a dialogue about ABA, including any possible "benefits" parents and families see. Again, there is a direct connection to conversion therapy and I'm not interacting with positive content on either of these practices. Instead, feel free to use any time you may have spent on related comments to 1) watch this video and 2) read this post to learn why you shouldn't support Autism Speaks.

[throw-away-account-69420]

Rant about autism. TW: Talks a lot about the downsides of getting a diagnosis, including but not limited to medical discrimination, blocking of visas, and guardianships/conservatorships.

As someone who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, I am often terrified by the way the laws effect me differently than my non-autistic peers.

There was nothing I could've done to not be diagnosed. I was seven and even if I masked the absolute shit out of not being autistic to doctors, the extensive tests they put me through would've broken through the act eventually.

Now unfortunately for me, I can be taken off the organ donor list, denied employment (although they will never say it was the autism), denied visas, and more. I just found out that sometimes Autistic peoples medical equipment are rationed because other ("more productive") people need it more. I found out that sometimes autistic people are put on do not resuscitate lists without their consent. Say what you want about non-discrimination laws, but in this day and age its like arresting people for jay-walking. Too common and more than likely will end with no penalty. Canada didn't even want us until 2018 and that was barely.

Then there's fucking guardianship and conservatorship shit that can be forced upon me without my consent. Like wtf. I don't even want to go into that shit because every time I look at it I am filled with fear and paranoia. Can't even trust the ones you love to have your best interests at heart. (I love my mom and trust her, but jeez. That's way too much power for anyone over my life.)

I'm a successful college student with an above average IQ majoring in an engineering field and I can be denied basic shit on because of sheet of paper I was handed when I was seven. They assume that because I am autistic, I am less productive than the average member of society.

It doesn't even get me any good accommodations! All my accommodations are geared towards my ADHD, so I literally gained nothing. The shitty ABA therapy I got for autism socially crippled me by isolating me from my peers and preventing me from forming natural friendships. I had to dedicate so much to a program I didn't ask to be in, didn't benefit from, and actively harmed any progress I was making by actively trying to make me dependent to them like I was some sort of cash pig.

For fuck's sake, when autistic people said a puzzle piece was offensive, people's initial reaction was not "We'll make an effort to use the correct symbol in the future." but "Not all autistic people are offended. My five year old son isn't." If I flip off your five year old son, would he be offended or would he be confused and start copying me like the impressionable child he is.

Sorry for the rant.

I'm just so tired. I don't wish to offend anyone or make it seem like I'm ungrateful for what I do have, but its terrifying knowing that in the next two years I'll have to make the decision to either limit my job potential by applying for disability, or do nothing and no longer be insured as a dependant. I have no savings because I was too busy with shitty ABA therapy and taking on two associates degrees (because of parental pressure) in high school to get a job. My mom has no problem with taking me in, but I want to have my own life like everyone else. Instead, I'm treated like a burden and blocked off from being my own individual. I'm scared.

[hello-nichya-here]

Why is the topic of curing disabilities/mental illnesses so controversial?

Simple: the conversation often excludes the very people that would suposedly benefit from said cures, and whenever we point out some pretty serious flaws in most people's ideas of how a "cure" for these conditions would work, we get yelled at and called ungrateful and/or stupid.

For exemple, plenty of organizations (like Autism Speaks) are always going on and on about how everyone needs to work together to find a cure for autism. Unfortunately, they do that while:

1 - Ignoring that pretty much any serious research into autism shows that it CAN'T be "cured" since it would need to AT THE VERY LEAST completely alter a person's nervous system (not just the brain, but every single nerve too), and that is sort of fucking impossible.

2 - Ignoring that autism is a genetic condition, and likely comes from anomalies in multiple cromossomes. Instead, they focus on stupid shit like soy milk, or vaccines, or something the mother did while pregnant supposedly causing it - things that have been proven false decades ago. Not only does that result in a HUGE waste of money, it often spreads misinformation about the condition (and does some serious damage, like a ton of diseases that had been previously erraticated coming back because of the anti-vax movement).

3 - Ignoring that plenty of autistic people DON'T WANT A FUCKING CURE. If you offered me a miracle cure for my anxiety, I'd take it, because this illness brought me literally nothing good ever. If you offered me a cure for my autism, I'd instantly reject it. Now, if I could get rid of just a few traits (like the sensory issues and meltdowns), I would accept it, but only if I was sure it would be JUST these traits that bring me difficulties, not stuff like hyperfocus or not liking it when people I don't know get too touchy with me.

4 - Trying to "cure" autistic people things like ABA "therapy", that was literally invented by the same guy who created gay conversion therapy and said that autistic people are not human, andwas proven time and time again to give patients PTSD + to not actually "cure" them, just make them mask their traits as much as possible, which led to many patients getting depressed and suicidal.

Now, you might be thinking "Okay, a cure for autism is a lost, pointless cause, but what about other stuff, like a blind person getting surgery so they will be able to see?"

That might sound much easier to do, but it can often be just as complicated. For some people, it would be just a few quick surgeries and then it's done, they can see for the rest of their life.

But say someone is blind because an accident that really damaged their eyes, to the point that, sure, maybe the surgery would be a complete, life-long success - or only help for a few years, then they'd be blind again, assuming it worked at all. And in some other cases, the possibility of complete, lasting success is just out question.

Is it that hard to imagine that some people would not want to risk the disappointment of it not working at all , or only working at first, then they'd end up blind again, forcing them go to the entire process of getting used to it once more after it was supposedly already over?

On that same kind of situation, there's also stuff like people getting MANY super complicated, super expensive surgeries that they'd take a long time to recover from and could have mixed results, like say someone who had a serious spinal injury - sometimes they'll be able to walk by themselves, other times they'll need a cane, and other times they'll need a wheelchair.

That kind of stuff can be a brutal process that would be very stressful, and once again, super expensive, and one could easily decide it's just not worth it, and just stick to being on a wheelchair all the time.

Since I mentioned money, that is unfortunately a factor many people ignore in pretty much anything related to medicine - if it is so expensive that basically nobody can afford it, then it might as well not exist.

There's also the problem of people spending all their time focusing on trying to find some miracle cure, and completely neglecting to do basic stuff that would assure disabled people would have a good life regardless. I lost count of how many "inclusive and accepting" schools I've seen (including the one I went to for most of school-life) or even HUGE hospitals that don't bother to have a fucking ramp or doors whide enough that would allow someone in a wheelchair to enter the room. Couldn't at least some of the budget from governments and charities go to that?

And to end the money talk, there's also the fact that some disabled/mentally ill people DO have money. So much money in fact, that they can just deal with life with barely any struggles, since there's a ton of people and resources they can turn to. Not that hard to imagine why they aren't spending every second of every day dreaming of a way to be cured.

And on that same vein, there's also situations like people who were born blind or deaf and plenty of them don't really want to be "cured" because... well, they might know other people's lives are different from theirs because of their disability, but they never really experienced the world in any other way, so what someone else could see as a tragedy or at the very least a really radical change in their own life is just some mundane shit to them. And even people who became disabled later in life can sort of go through the same if they are used to it and don't really see a point in trying to fix something that, if they're lucky enough to have proper support, isn't really a problem to them anymore.

Basically this topic could be way less of a mess, and more importantly way less condescending/ableist, if the goal was on helping each individual in whatever way would work best of them, instead of just lumping all the disabled and mentally ill into the same "tragic" group that can ONLY ever be "helped" by becoming "normal" so the rest of the world doesn't have to deal with the fact that some people are different and *gasp* that doesn't have to be the end of the fucking world.

[k4saneterritory]

I hate the narrative that calling out "fakers" is protection for "real disabled people" or victims of munchausens via proxy.

i've had a doctor accuse me of purposefully dislocating my own joints for attention and my autism was heavily contested by teachers who believed me to be faking it (despite professional diagnosis), which resulted in me being forced into an incompetent version of ABA therapy. often, the idea of the "faker" relies upon stereotypes - so-called fake disorder cringe often relies upon the idea that people perceived as women with dyed hair and pronoun pins can't really have xyz condition. an extreme minority of people are deliberately faking (more people are mistaken about what their condition is, but mistaken self-diagnosis is a first step to a correct self- or professional diagnosis).

in cases of munchausens via proxy, keyboard warriors aren't who should be raising flags in the absence of indisputable evidence (because they don't know a situation fully) unless called upon by someone else with that knowledge. doctors or social workers are much more likely to make the correct call with all the records and paperwork in front of them, perhaps based on calls from family friends or neighbours or other people with a personal connection to the case. you are not dr house or sherlock holmes.

another false idea is that faking has all these benefits - financial compensation, "pity points", attention, social media clout. Financial compensation is ludicrously hard to access and takes a long time, pity isn't actually that nice, the attention is rarely positive and the social media clout (i can say this from personal experience) if it comes, it comes with a deluge of horrid comments.

honestly the minor benefits i get from my (real, some in the diagnostic process still) disabilities just mean i'm not suffering more than someone without those conditions. i get to skip queues at airports or conventions because i can't stand long and they're very distressing for me. i get money from the government, so the cost of my medical extras doesn't bankrupt me - someone without these conditions would not incur these costs.

[datamakesthedifference]

How Can a VB-MAPP App Simplify Data Collection and Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals and educators working with individuals on the autism spectrum understand the critical importance of data collection and analysis. One of the most widely used assessment tools in ABA therapy is the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), which helps assess and track language and social skills development in individuals with autism. While the VB-MAPP is highly effective, manual data collection and analysis can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Fortunately, technology has stepped in to streamline this process with the development of VB-MAPP apps. In this comprehensive guide, we explore how a VB-MAPP app can simplify data collection and analysis, making the lives of ABA professionals and educators easier and more effective.

1. Real-time Data Entry:

VB-MAPP apps allow professionals to input data in real-time. Gone are the days of carrying around paper assessments and jotting down observations manually. With the convenience of a mobile app, therapists and educators can instantly record data during sessions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

2. Effortless Organization:

One of the standout features of VB-MAPP apps is their ability to organize data seamlessly. Data points are categorized, labeled, and stored electronically, eliminating the need for bulky binders filled with assessment sheets. This organized approach not only saves physical space but also simplifies data retrieval and review.

3. Instant Progress Tracking:

VB-MAPP apps provide immediate access to progress tracking. Professionals can view data trends, identify areas of improvement or concern, and adjust intervention strategies in real-time. This agility is crucial in tailoring ABA therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual.

4. Automated Analysis:

One of the most significant advantages of VB-MAPP apps is their ability to automate data analysis. These apps employ algorithms that process the collected data, generating graphs, charts, and reports. This automated analysis reduces the risk of human error and allows professionals to focus on interpreting the data rather than crunching numbers.

5. Customizable Reporting:

Every ABA therapy program is unique, and VB-MAPP apps recognize this diversity. Users can customize reports to match specific goals, objectives, and benchmarks. This level of personalization ensures that data analysis aligns with the individual's progress and targets areas requiring further attention.

6. Secure Data Storage:

VB-MAPP apps prioritize data security and confidentiality. Most apps offer secure cloud storage options, safeguarding sensitive information while allowing authorized team members to access the data when needed. This feature enhances collaboration among therapists, educators, and caregivers.

7. Integration Capabilities:

Many VB-MAPP apps offer integration with other software and platforms commonly used in ABA therapy and education. This interoperability streamlines the data collection and analysis process by allowing professionals to work within a familiar digital ecosystem.

8. User-friendly Interface:

VB-MAPP apps are designed with user-friendliness in mind. The interfaces are intuitive, making them accessible to professionals with varying levels of technological expertise. This accessibility ensures that even those less tech-savvy can benefit from these apps.

9. Cost and Time Efficiency:

By automating data collection and analysis, VB-MAPP apps save professionals considerable time and effort. This efficiency translates into cost savings for organizations and allows professionals to allocate more time to direct therapy and interaction with individuals with autism.

10. Continuous Support and Updates:

Developers of VB-MAPP apps are committed to improving their products. This means that users can expect continuous support and updates to enhance functionality, address issues, and adapt to changing needs in the field of ABA therapy and autism education.

In conclusion, VB-MAPP apps have revolutionized the way ABA professionals and educators collect and analyze data. These apps offer real-time data entry, effortless organization, automated analysis, and customizable reporting, all while ensuring data security and user-friendliness. By simplifying data collection and analysis, VB-MAPP apps empower professionals to provide more effective, personalized, and efficient support to individuals on the autism spectrum. As technology continues to advance, the role of VB-MAPP apps in ABA therapy and autism education is set to grow, improving the lives of both professionals and those they serve.