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Negatives of Applied Behavior Analysis

Praised as a scientific and evidence-based treatment for children with autism and developmental delays, Applied Behavioral Analysis, according to the Autism Speaks website, is not without problems or criticism, however. Several factors exist that cast a negative shadow on this treatment method, not to mention its cost.

  1. No Standardized Protocol

    • No national, state or regional guidelines currently regulate Applied Behavioral Analysis. Eligibility standards do exist for those therapists who choose to undergo licensing by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, but it is not a requirement to practice ABA. At this point, generalized standards only discuss degree, coursework and supervision requirements. Many programs exist for ABA therapy but each one has its differences. This makes it difficult to regulate the administration of effective ABA treatment.

    Extensive Hours and Cost

    • ABA therapy requires a minimum of 20 hours and up to 40 hours per week to be an effective intervention treatment for children with autism and developmental delays, according to Autism-Help website. The extensive time required to see results can be disheartening to many parents, since that level of therapy is not usually available in many areas. Private therapy is expensive and can cost thousands of dollars per year. Health insurance may only pay for a portion of these hours, depending on a child's level of disability.

    Different Child, Different Treatment

    • Applied Behavioral Analysis is not a "one size fits all" treatment for autism or developmental delays. Every child needs a customized program dependent upon the significance of his condition and needs. Lack of understanding regarding the diagnosis, autism and the type of interventions necessary, can leave ABA therapy lacking for some children. Trial and error is needed to customized the program for each child, which can take extensive time and effort on the part of parents and therapists. The lack of a standardized program can result in delays in treatment for a child until the right interventions are discovered.

    Lack of Quality Professionals

    • The lack of standardized guidelines also results in a lack of quality professionals practicing ABA therapy. A therapist can practice this type of therapy without any formal training, by simply reading a book or taking a quick online course. The demand for this type of therapy has increased with the amount of children being diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorders. Many parents decide to implement ABA programs on their own, due to the extensive hours needed and the lack of therapist to implement the hours.

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