Is ABA Good or Bad? It’s More Complicated Than That.
Whether one believes in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or not is irrelevant. What we do know is that a strong body of research, spanning over 100 years, demonstrates measurable outcomes. ABA is based on learning theory and applies to all of us—not just individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. It is embedded in how we teach children, coach athletes, and even learn to play musical instruments. So why does ABA have such a bad reputation? Like anything else, ABA is only as good as the people implementing it. Take water, for example. Water is neither good nor bad—it simply is. It helps plants grow, but too little or too much can be harmful, even deadly. ABA, in its purest form, is just a tool. Its impact—positive or negative—depends on how it is applied. Yes, ABA can be bad. It can be punitive, rigid, and even harmful when used incorrectly. But it can also be incredible. When implemented with compassion, at a child’s learning level, and with a focus on individual s...