ABA: Scope, Perspectives, and Future Directions

Overview of ABA and Its Scope

• After 50 years of ABA, its application is still narrow, mainly focusing on ASD/DD.
• Funding is primarily available for ASD/IDD.
• Post-secondary programs and jobs are concentrated in ASD/DD.
• 89% of BCBAs work with individuals with ASD/DD.
• Expanding ABA's reach to address broader human behavior problems is a challenge.
• BCBAs should join existing professions and cross-pollinate ABA principles across disciplines as a solution.
• Disseminating ABA's effectiveness beyond ASD/DD is also a solution.

PRO vs. ANTI ABA Perspectives

• PRO ABA leads to improved quality of life, positive experiences, and high-quality ethical services.
• PRO ABA leads to an abundance of jobs and adherence to the 6 Rights of Individuals to Effective Treatment.
• ΑΝΤΙ ΑΒΑ faces criticisms like negative experiences, poor quality services, and client not at the center of care.
• Concerns for ANTI ABA include habilitation prioritized over client choice, misinformation, broad assumptions, and a history of misuse of ABA.

ABA as the Gold Standard for Autism

• ABA is the gold standard for autism intervention.
• ABA can be seen as mechanical and jargonistic, resulting in robotic, prompt-dependent behavior.
• Treatments not supported by consumers may be less effective or implemented less frequently.

Behavioral Artistry (BA)

• Characteristics of Behavioral Artists:
  • They like people.
  • Have perceptive sensitivity and pays attention to client behavior.
  • They do not like to fail.
  • They have a sense of humor.
  • They are optimistic.
  • They are thick-skinned.
  • They are self-actualized, confident, and creative.
• Clinician's interpersonal skills affect outcomes, especially in mediator models such as teaching caregivers.
• Parents prefer therapists with BA descriptors.
• ABA practitioners with higher BA scores are rated more positively.
• ABA students have lower BA levels compared to other human services professionals.

Trauma-Informed ABA

• In the General Public, 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event
• For people with developmental Disabilities >90% experience abuse
• Discussions of trauma are relatively new in ABA literature.
• Overusing the term “trauma” can negatively impact public perception and treatment efficacy.
• The goal is to incorporate trauma-informed practices without making assumptions.

Conversion Therapy and ABA

• Rekers & Lovaas (1974) conducted a study aimed to change gender expression and sexual orientation using differential reinforcement and token economies.
• Outcome of the study was that the participant died by suicide.
• SEAB & LeBlanc (2020) issued a formal expression of concern regarding this study and conversion therapy.
• ABA denounces Conversion Therapy because it is incompatible with ethical ABA practices.
• BACB Ethics Code: Core Principle 2 states that you must treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect.
• Items 1.07 (Cultural Responsiveness), 1.08 (Nondiscrimination), and 2.01 (Effective Treatment) oppose conversion therapy.
• Future Recommendations include increasing research supporting LGBTQ+ wellness.
• The future also includes addressing discriminatory practices and promoting affirmative alternatives.

Research in ABA

• Hughes (2009) researched Hostage Negotiations.
  • Analysis of hostage negotiator requests were explored (high vs. low probability).
  • Compliance with low-probability requests increased after a series of high-probability requests.
• Animal Behavior Research explores the following:
  • Ferguson et al. (2001) used Shaping and clicker training to teach horses to load into trailers.
  • Dorey et al. (2009) used EFA and DRA reduced self-injurious behavior in a baboon.
  • Martin et al. (2011) used EFA identified reinforcers for feces-throwing in a chimpanzee.
  • Implications: ABA interventions can save animals' lives, improve human-animal interactions, and reduce injuries.

Contingency Management (CM)

• Voucher-Based Reinforcement: Effective for cocaine dependence
• Relapse and maintenance of effects are an issue for drug addiction treatment.
• Stinson & Dallery (2023): CM reduced daily social media use in addicted undergraduates.
  • Contingent rewards, objective measurement, and alternative activities are components.
  • Results: Decreased social media use, but no increase in alternative activities.

Behavioral Activation for Depression

• Negative Reinforcement Trap: Avoidance behavior is strengthened by escaping aversive stimuli (SR-).
  • The goal is to Increase response-contingent positive reinforcement (RCPR).
  • Increase awareness of avoidance patterns.
  • Re-engage in healthy behaviors to improve mood and quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• ABA's Strengths:
  • It has proven effectiveness in ASD/DD, animal behavior, and addiction treatment.
  • Ethical, client-centered practices improve quality of life.
• Challenges:
  • Expanding ABA's reach beyond ASD/DD.
  • Addressing historical misuse (e.g., conversion therapy).
  • Incorporating trauma-informed practices.
• Future Directions:
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Research supporting LGBTQ+ wellness and social media addiction.

Terminology

• Behavioral Artistry (BA): Clinician's interpersonal skills that enhance ABA outcomes.
• Contingency Management (CM): Delivering rewards contingent on meeting behavioral targets.
• Negative Reinforcement Trap: Avoidance behavior maintained by escaping aversive stimuli.
• 6 Rights of Individuals to Effective Treatment: Ethical guidelines ensuring effective, client-centered care.

Exploration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) after 50 years, its focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder/Developmental Disabilities (ASD/DD), and funding trends. Discussion includes the pro and anti perspectives of ABA, quality of services, and ethical considerations. It also discusses the challenges and solutions for expanding ABA's reach.