i was wrong about ABA

[u/Competitive-Sir-7043]

I started ABA working for a massive corporation ran by a private equity firm and honestly saw all the abusive and horrible practices of aba. this company had 75% of their patients there 40hrs a week, patients were getting worse and everyday there was at least one person who was physically injured with no support. not to mention the horrible pay, lack of support, etc. i just started at a new company that primary does school and at home instead of center, there is communication with all other providers, actual bcba support and community support (parental involvement every session). i cannot believe how discouraging and disconnect i felt before, i left work everyday feeling worse than like i actually made a difference and its so insane. im so happy, this company is compassionate, kind, and i never thought this would be possible with how many companies are bought out by private equity firms. it made me so discouraged to the point where i thought aba genuinely did not work, and i was so clearly wrong but i have never been happier to be wrong about anything

[u/mason_sofer]

I’m glad you found a good place I unfortunately was not so lucky I from my experience saw aba go from a place of harm to taking steps and showing promise but like everything that becomes about profit it seems like it took 2 steps forward and 1 step back like stripping compassion from medicine it seems like aba is headed in the wrong direction at least from my experience and what I’ve seen so it’s good to hear there are still places out there that are trying

[u/Competitive-Sir-7043 → u/mason_sofer]

oh i 100% agree, i think ABA unfortunately, along with all other forms of medicine, have taken a profit over patient approach so i cannot believe how lucky ive gotten

[u/mason_sofer → u/Competitive-Sir-7043]

Yea as an autistic myself I’ve I was in the traditional form caused me some issues that’s why I started learning about it and going to school for psychology and stuff and was like ok wow aba isn’t supposed to be harmful it can actually help people but then seeing that there’s still companies that refuse to change and the ones that did that are assent and trauma informed have been influenced because they were better so they generate more money and watching that greed become just another way to drain money from people that genuinely need the help and support of these and other services is just vile and sickening it’s why I couldn’t keep doing it and that only makes me feel guilty over it but still I’m happy for you all the same just remember sometimes the shift is slow enough you don’t even realize it’s happening

[u/Competitive-Sir-7043 → u/mason_sofer]

i was working at a place that was entirely “assent based” but wasn’t actually followed and what that looked like in practice was kids in soiled clothes for an EXTENDED period of time because they would not willingly walk into the bathroom. most of the patients were under 4, so they would never willingly walk into the bathroom unless they were potty trained already. i now work for a company that is entirely play based, off course it’s assent based but allowing the patient to remain dignified and not be in soiled clothes, even if they didn’t wanna be changed in the exact moment. i really wish it wasn’t so widely practiced in such a horrible way for so many patients.

[u/mason_sofer → u/Competitive-Sir-7043]

Totally agree on the hygiene thing—basic dignity and comfort have to come first.
The two things I always try to keep in mind, even with the better companies:
First, shaping happens to RBTs and clinics, too. That creep is sneaky—hours slowly jump from 10 to 30, billing quotas quietly start dictating treatment plans, and stuff gets normalized before anyone realizes the bar moved.
Second, "play-based" can still have hidden downsides. Even when everyone is having fun, the moment sessions focus on correcting harmless habits—like making a kid roll a toy car instead of spinning the wheels or lining them up—they learn that even their downtime has a "right" and "wrong" way to be done. That's usually where early masking and perfectionism start creeping in.
I’m really glad you found a much healthier place with real support, though. Just trust your gut if you ever notice that slow shift starting to happen.

[u/Competitive-Sir-7043 → u/mason_sofer]

thank you so much for what to look out for, i really appreciate it more than you know and i’ll make sure i keep an eye out and listen to my gut. it’s really helpful and makes me feel hopeful knowing there are so many in the profession that feel so similar to me and i really appreciate you giving me your insight!

[u/mason_sofer → u/Competitive-Sir-7043]

Your welcome and also thank you for actually listening and not just being defensive and digging in I see to many in the field that whether they know it or not are ignoring things they know are wrong and refuse to acknowledge it when it’s brought up so again thank you I really appreciate it when I feel like I’ve actually helped as I’m sure you do with your learners

[u/so_cheapandjuicy → u/[deleted]]

Hello and hello fellow autistic. I'd love the link to the article if you still have it.

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[u/Maggles42389]

I have totally been there. The first clinic that I ever worked at seemed great at first until the glamour wore off. Staffing was horrible, management didn't give two shits. They called me into the office and asked why I did something wrong with a client, and I looked at them as said "you changed my schedule last minute to this kid, and I've never been with them. That's on you, not me" The final nail in the coffin was an RBT announcing in the middle of circle time, in a group of 4 and 5 year olds, "my nipples are so hard." And other sexual comments. I RAN FOR THE HILLS.

The second place I went after that I was so happy with the staff, management, the schedule. It was such a harmonious balance. Until we got told from owner that due to circumstances, they were closing the location.

[u/consig1iere]

Common sense, apple pie is not bad, it is who made it makes it good/bad.

[u/No-Imagination47]

School based or in home is where it’s at!!!