Critical Concerns in Applied Behavior Analysis

Unit 9 Discussion Board
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Critical Concerns in Applied Behavior Analysis
Three concerns or criticisms of applied behavior analysis (ABA) raised in this week's readings include using punishment- and extinction-based procedures, the approach towards self-stimulatory and stereotypic behavior, and the goal selection process within ABA. Firstly, there are concerns about the ethical implications of punishment-based procedures, as some activists argue that they can be inhumane and potentially harmful, raising questions about individual rights and well-being (Leaf et al., 2021). Secondly, ABA's approach to self-stimulatory and stereotypic behavior has been criticized for not considering their importance for self-regulation and sensory processing, potentially disregarding the needs and preferences of autistic individuals (Leaf et al., 2021). Lastly, the criticism revolves around the goal selection process, with claims that individuals with autism are not adequately included and that the selected goals may not align with their values or preferences.
The Problematic Impact of Concerns on ABA
These issues are problematic for the field of ABA because they raise ethical and moral concerns, potentially infringing upon the autonomy and well-being of individuals with autism. The criticism of targeting self-stimulatory and stereotypic behavior suggests that ABA interventions may not respect the individual's needs and may fail to understand the functional significance of these behaviors (Capriotti & Donaldson, 2021). Additionally, the critique of goal selection highlights the importa...