The Common Ground of Progressive ABA: Why It Shouldn’t Feel Foreign

 

As parents and educators, we are natural teachers. From a child’s first words to their first steps, we instinctively use strategies rooted in behavioral science-modeling, prompting, reinforcing, and even setting boundaries. These are the very principles that form the foundation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), especially in its progressive form. Yet, when ABA is discussed in the context of autism or developmental disabilities, it often feels foreign, complex, or even controversial. Why is that?

The Universality of How We Learn 

Think about teaching a toddler to say “please.” We don’t expect perfection from the start. Instead, we:

• Set up situations where communication is needed (communication temptations)
• Model the word ourselves
• Reinforce every attempt or approximation
• Gradually fade prompts as the skill strengthens
• Systematically reduce reinforcement, sometimes delaying gratification or even saying “not now” or “no”
• Teaching contextual "please" without expecting over politeness or it's use for every request

This process isn’t arbitrary or punitive-it’s how learning happens. We break complex skills into manageable parts, provide lots of support at first, and slowly step back as independence grows. We also teach the context: we don’t expect “please” for every single request, and we certainly don’t see it as abusive to expect children to wait or accept “no” as an answer.

Why Does ABA Feel So Different?

When it comes to children with autism or other developmental disabilities, something changes. Suddenly, the same strategies we use with all children seem foreign or overly clinical. Sometimes, we:

• Give in to disruptive behavior to avoid distress, inadvertently reinforcing it
• Over-teach social niceties like “please,” expecting them in every context, far beyond what we’d expect from any other child

This disconnect can make ABA seem punitive, robotic, or socially invalid-especially when it’s implemented rigidly or without consideration for individual needs. But the truth is, progressive ABA is not about arbitrary compliance or rote memorization. It’s about meeting each child where they are, using evidence-based strategies that all humans respond to, and individualizing teaching to make meaningful progress1.

Progressive ABA: Individualized, Flexible, and Familiar

Progressive ABA recognizes that teaching is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about using clinical judgment to:

• Break skills into small, achievable steps

• Teach over a timeline that matches the learner’s pace

• Utilize materials and activities that are genuinely interesting to the child

• Reinforce consistently, but always with the goal of building independence

• Fade prompts and reinforcement thoughtfully, just as we do with typically developing children

The principles are the same. The difference is in the flexibility, the respect for individuality, and the commitment to teaching skills that matter in real life-not just in the therapy room. We may have to invest more time, seek the assistance and expertise of professionals, and make data driven decisions to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism, disabilities, or complex learning needs but the science remains the same. Parents are already equipped to do the basics. Professionals can help fill the gaps, guide families, and provide reassurance. 

Bridging the Gap

If we step back, we see that progressive ABA is not so different from the way we teach all children. The strategies are familiar; the goals are the same: to help every child communicate, connect, and thrive. The challenge-and the opportunity-is to apply these principles with empathy, creativity, and respect for each learner’s unique path.

Let’s move beyond the myths and see ABA for what it is: a set of teaching tools that, when used thoughtfully and progressively, reflect the way all humans learn. It’s not foreign. It’s not complex. it's not dangerous or abusive. It’s just good teaching, individualized for those who need it most1.

Phone: (949) 287-3683

Email: practicalsolutions.jw@gmail.com

Website: pracsol4u.com 

ABA is only as good as its implementation. Let’s implement it with skill, heart, and a commitment to growth.