As featured in Autism Parenting Magazine
by Shelby Nelson,
Director of Clinical Quality for Essential Speech and ABA Therapy
Autism diagnosis has been steadily rising each year since the 1960s. The most recent studies reveal that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, and over 5 million adults live with autism in the US. That number is expected to increase within the next ten years.
Researchers continue to study the prevalence of autism, but the exact reason for the rise remains unknown. Regardless, these statistics highlight the importance of early identification and intervention to help children with ASD learn to communicate and reach independence. However, there remains a shadow over a larger conversation piece.
The Future of Autism Therapy
What is the future of autism therapy, and how do societal and medical approaches to autism change the outlook? What can those with autism expect moving forward?
One journal article emphasizes the importance of social validity when discussing the first A in ABA (Applied). All skills targeted must be important to society and the individual.
It’s essential to educate clinicians in the art of listening—to grasp the skills a person with autism wishes to work on, their preferred learning methods, communication styles, and the messages conveyed through their behavior.
In doing so, we can devise a strategy that can empower and uplift, delivering education through engaging environments and captivating content. However, this differs from old models of ABA therapy, which historically applied some universal modes of treatment using stereotypical and outdated methods such as punishment or escape extinction. During that period, many ABA practitioners drifted away from science and focused on compliance.
When the goal of behavioral services is to enforce compliance, it becomes detrimental to the individual, leading to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and vulnerability.This is where self-advocates argue that ABA can be incredibly harmful.
Prioritizing compliance and teaching children to mask their autistic symptoms
is inappropriate, but the science used to empower and build skills is still very applicable. Although ABA implementers have not always met the mark, the science behind ABA can still be supportive and compassionate. Utilizing this
model, we can empower learners to help them feel safe in many environments, vocalize their wants and needs, and advocate for themselves when they need more support.
Societal and Medical Approaches
Conflicts between the social and medical models persist, potentially shaping future treatment approaches. The medical model emphasizes remediation of diagnosis symptoms, driving a shift in autism treatment towards addressing deficits rather than focusing solely on empowering daily living skills.
However, the neurodivergent movement, aligned with the social model, advocates for adapting environments to enhance the quality of life without aiming to change individuals to fit societal norms.
While both models recognize the value of therapies like physical, speech, and occupational, they diverge on the role of ABA therapy, with the social model critiquing it for striving to make autistic individuals appear “normal.”
Despite criticisms, ABA can offer significant benefits, including improved communication and self-advocacy. High-quality ABA treatment should prioritize individual feedback, adjusting approaches promptly to ensure effectiveness. A
blended societal and medical model could foster a more forward-thinking approach to ABA services, emphasizing skill development while respecting neurodiversity.
Navigating the Path Forward
Parents often limit public outings with their autistic children to weekday working hours to avoid judgment or offense from fewer people. Simple tasks like arranging playdates, socializing at playgroups, communicating with teachers, and attending school events or medical appointments can present significant challenges for many
families.
However, every family with autistic children can find a path forward by embracing and valuing their individual strengths. Acceptance of autism, combined with access to suitable support and therapy, enables families to navigate and effectively address these distinctive challenges.
With the rising rates of autism diagnoses, we stand at a symbolic crossroads. Why should individuals on the spectrum feel compelled to conceal or mask their symptoms to conform to societal norms, especially when we know this often leads to burnout, depression, and anxiety?
Today’s practitioners have a unique opportunity to empower autistic individuals to embrace their differences while imparting essential skills for realizing their full potential.
By prioritizing listening, trust-building, evidence- based decision-making, and teaching with joy, we can transform lives and leverage ABA, alongside other services, to provide invaluable support to individuals and their families.
References
Autism statistics and facts. 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism. (n.d.). https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd
Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968a). the importance of social validity when discussing the first A in ABA (Applied). Journal of applied behavior analysis.
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