The Behaviour Industry Doesn’t Know How to Science

ABA and pro-behaviourism rhetoric is so old and tired

May 24, 2025

∙ Paid

Once again, I’d love to laugh, but there is so much actual harm done by the joke that is ABA industry research that I can’t.

Sometimes when I post anti-behaviourism content on social media, I get BCBAs and pro-ABA/pro-PBIS (etc.) people who comment in defense of their industry.

Let me be clear: I’ve been doing research in this area for over 20 years.

I’m not posting opinions. I’m not posting anti-behaviourism content because of one individual, personal bad experience. I — like many Autistic researchers, self-advocates, and allies — am sharing evidence-based information so people can know better and do better.

“Disabled kids have been herded into makeshift classrooms, seated before surplus desks, and outfitted in yesteryear’s clothing. Apparently, they are given the obsolete ideas, too.” — John Summers, on ABA interventions

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