neurodivergence Archives

This blog past was written by our founder: Rachel Paugh BCBA, LBA

There is a lot of controversy surrounding ABA. I have been in the field for over 20 years, and I am aware of the history. I think that it is irresponsible as a practitioner not to acknowledge that huge mistakes were made in the past in our field. To deny that they occurred prevents us from having a trusting relationship with our community.

There was a time when ABA used procedures that were unacceptable. There was a time when the focus was wrong; when ABA was too focused on “compliance” (ie: cooperation without protest) and lacked respect for the autonomy of the children we serve.

I am here to say that there are ABA practitioners out there who do not operate in this manner. I am one of them. Some people call it “assent-based” ABA. My favorite term for it is Hippie ABA, because it speaks to my hippie roots of peace, love, and respect.

Hippie ABA is a practice that provides play-based therapy in the natural environment rather than sitting at a desk all day and doing drills. Our focus is to provide an environment in which our children are “happy, relaxed, and engaged”. We strive to build trust with our children, which means being consistent, caring, and fair.

There is a difference between consent and assent. Consent is given by the parent. For example, a parent consents to the treatment of their child when they sign intake paperwork. Assent, however, comes from the child we are treating. Assent is given when the child verbally or nonverbally participates in treatment, showing that they are comfortable with participating by doing things like smiling and engaging with the instructor.

In Hippie ABA, when we see that the child has removed assent, we do not physically force participation. Hippie ABA practitioners identify what motivates the child, and they use that combined with modification of the environment (antecedent intervention) to increase participation based on assent.

In Hippie ABA, we do not physically touch the child unless we are offering assistance with a task such as gripping a pencil or using a spoon. Another example of physical assistance we might offer is wiping a child’s face; but when we do this, we tell the child what we plan to do and do not physically force cooperation. (Example: “Your face is all chocolatey, so I’m going to clean it for you with this wipe. Here it comes!”)

In Hippie ABA, the instructor is still the boss, but they’re in charge because they earned it by harnessing the trust and motivation of the child instead of being in charge because they demand “compliance”.

In Hippie ABA, we forge transparent relationships with caregivers. We provide a no-judgment zone in which parents feel heard and valued as a member of their child’s team. In addition, we work to identify areas in which parents require additional support and resources, and we help them secure the support that they need. We coach parents rather than “training” them. We put ourselves out of a job by teaching them the strategies that work for their child so they don’t need us anymore one day soon.

Parents and caregivers: please know that providers like us exist. When you are seeking ABA therapy, take the time and interview potential providers. Ask them if they use restraint. Ask them what their core values are and what their thoughts are on the controversy surrounding ABA. If they are someone you can trust, they will provide you with a thoughtful answer rather than becoming irritated or angry. They will answer your questions in a way that aligns with your beliefs, and they will double down by delivering the services they promise.

I am wishing all of you the best outcomes and progress for your children, regardless of which treatment you choose. Because in Hippie ABA, our only wish is to see your child succeed.

This blog was written by Rachel Paugh, BCBA, LBA, and our founder:

Am I autistic? The parent perspective

I have worked with the parents of autistic children intensively for years now and there is one experience had by many of them that I don’t think many people speak about openly. It’s a shame because, if people discussed it more, it might benefit those parents and our community.

When parents go through initial consultation with me, the first thing we discuss about their child is behaviors of concern, social skill deficits, and communication skills challenges. When I discuss these things with parents, one of the things I hear the most from them is that their child reminds them of themselves and that they engaged in similar behaviors and had similar challenges when they were kids. The other thing I often hear is that they didn’t initially think of the challenges their child was experiencing as a reason to seek intervention because they had those same challenges as a child and they survived without intervention.

And, of course, some very brave parents wonder aloud if they are autistic too. If they have the first two revelations and look like they are deep in thought but don’t express this possibility, if I think it is appropriate, I will ask them if they think maybe they are also on the spectrum.

I want to be sure I clarify that this doesn’t happen with every parent, nor does every parent with a child on the spectrum have autism themselves.

BUT…

Parents, these are some of the best and most beneficial discussions you can have. We haven’t proven it yet, but I strongly believe there is an element of genetics to autism. When we parents were kids, things were very different. Autism was rarely diagnosed unless you were profoundly affected. So odds are, if you were able to function without intensive behavior intervention or help with communication skills, you wouldn’t have been diagnosed.

As a parent of an autistic child and a behavior analyst whose area of expertise is autism, I can tell you that if I sought assessment I’d receive the diagnosis. This is something I share freely because one of the things I try my hardest to teach is that a diagnosis of autism is NOT a tragedy, and it is nothing to whisper about or be ashamed of.

One of the first revelations that comes with these realizations is, “Hey–so I wasn’t really a bad kid after all. I had a learning difference this whole time and that’s why I struggled.” This realization brings huge feelings: anger, resentment, and grief. This grief is important to acknowledge and work through the same as was the grief you experienced when your child was diagnosed. Seeking counseling is key for caregivers. Counseling is also not a bad word, and not something to be ashamed of. Make time for it because it makes you a better parent and a happier person.

Feeling these scary and challenging feelings is a given. But if I can teach you one thing today, let it be that there is also joy to be had within the autism experience. Teach your kid to be proud of their neurodivergence. Talk to them about the superpowers it gives them and remind them that they are not “bad”, they just learn differently and that’s kinda cool Embrace your own neurodivergence: read more about it, follow the neurodivergent crowd on social media, make friends who are openly neurodivergent so you can experience being truly yourself with no mask!

If this is something you are experiencing as a parent, please find someone you trust to discuss it with so you can investigate it in a safe space–bonus points if it’s a mental health professional. But, most of all, EMBRACE YOUR DIFFERENCE! After all, your kid is just like you, and you have to admit they are pretty darn lovable.

Tag: neurodivergence

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Am I autistic?: The parent perspective

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