ABA is... quite controversial, to put it mildly. It is essentially an "aversion therapy", which is a codeword for "I will keep hurting you until you learn to be

ABA is... quite controversial, to put it mildly. It is essentially an "aversion therapy", which is a codeword for "I will keep hurting you until you learn to behave properly". (The same idea as behind many cures for homosexuality.) And yes, you can make kids stop performing some specific behaviors using ABA, so they will count it as big success. It does not make them less autist, only more terrified. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_behavior_analysis#Controversy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_behavior_analysis#Cont... > applied behavior analysis ... used aversives such as electric shocks to modify undesirable behavior in their initial use in the 1970s, as well as slapping and shouting ... aversives have continued to be used in some ABA programs. In comments made in 2014 to the FDA, a clinician who previously worked at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center claimed that "all textbooks used for thorough training of applied behavior analysts include an overview of the principles of punishment, including the use of electrical stimulation." In 2020, the FDA banned the use of electrical stimulation devices used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior and asserted that "Evidence indicates a number of significant psychological and physical risks are associated with the use of these devices, including worsening of underlying symptoms, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, pain, burns and tissue damage." See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Rotenberg_Educational_Center https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Rotenberg_Educational_Ce...