Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a methodology rooted in behaviourist psychology that seeks to modify observable behaviours through reinforcement and repetition. Originally developed in the mid-20th century, ABA became a dominant intervention for autistic children, particularly in early childhood programs, where it is often marketed as “evidence-based” treatment.
ABA relies on the idea that desirable behaviours can be increased—and undesirable behaviours reduced—through systems of reward, punishment, and environmental control. While some families report gains in specific skills, many autistic people describe ABA as a form of compliance training that prioritises surface-level “normalcy” over autonomy, consent, or well-being.
Critics, including many autistic adults, view ABA as a coercive practice that enforces behavioural conformity at the cost of emotional safety and identity. The focus on extinguishing behaviours—such as stimming, avoidance, or noncompliance—can result in trauma, masking, and long-term harm. Emerging frameworks call for a shift away from behavioural control toward neurodiversity-affirming supports that honour the child’s needs, communication style, and right to be fully and safely themselves.
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The fallout of regressive discipline: from community trust to mental health
In schools across British Columbia and beyond, discipline often unfolds not as a considered intervention tailored to individual needs, but as a blunt, collective act that seeks to restore order quickly by suspending joy or opportunity for all. The cancellation of recess, the revocation of a field trip, the withholding of an earned privilege—all for…
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Vancouver School Board’s Urgent Intervention Process – purpose, process, and controversy
The Urgent Intervention Process (UIP) – formerly known as the Multi-Interdisciplinary Support Team (MIST) – is a Vancouver School Board (VSB) initiative designed to provide rapid support for schools dealing with students with extremely challenging behaviours or acute needs. The program was expanded in the mid-2010s as part of VSB’s special education support model, with the stated goal…
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Confident Parents, Thriving Kids—unless you’re autistic
Why school systems should reject behaviourist programs disguised as mental health support. Our daughter was melting down almost every day after school. She would cling to me at drop-off like she was drowning—like she had to hold onto me or she would lose herself, unable to breathe, unable to bear it. She was already telling…
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Non-coercive, trauma-informed alternatives to PBS/ABA in BC schools
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) are behaviourist approaches widely used in schools to manage student behaviour. However, a growing chorus of neurodivergent advocates, educators, and researchers highlight that these methods often prioritise compliance and “normalising” behaviour over student well-being rcpsych.ac.uk. By focusing on making neurodivergent children appear neurotypical (meeting neuronormative standards), traditional PBS/ABA can…
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There’s no such thing as unexpected behaviour
This piece was hard to write. It holds my grief. It documents not only what happened to my child, but how systems made it worse by pretending to be surprised. I share it because too many families are made to carry this alone. Every time I see the phrase unexpected behaviour in a school document, a safety…
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How to smell a rat: spotting fake neurodiversity-affirming programs
Not everything wrapped in soft colours and “nervous system” talk is safe. In a post-ABA world—or at least a world where ABA has learned to change its clothes—many school districts, parent training programs, and private providers now claim to be “neurodiversity-affirming.” They use the language of trauma, talk about connection, and sprinkle in phrases like…
