Lack of Spontaneity
Recently was googling “ABA services” and under Google’s “People also ask” was the term “lack of spontaneity” which struck a serious note with me and I had to go back and screenshot it and reflect on why it upset me.
I think where I’ve landed is that the field of ABA is transitioning. I’ve been on this rant several times, but given that a new family may run into this - I feel it is worth addressing specifically.
ABA has in the past been fairly rigid. Rightfully so. You can’t get the results you plan for unless you do the things that will ensure you get the result - right? So there are certainly things every (lets hope) ABA provider would agree on. Then there’s the grey stuff. And this is where the concern of “lack of spontaneity” lands.
I am someone who wants to prioritize a good therapy session for both my staff and my kiddos. For the family is a bonus too. A good session means that everyone has a good time. Does that mean there are no rules - no. Does that mean nothing productive gets done - no. Does that make the session a free-for-all - no. But there are ways to program and ways to manage staff that do allow for spontaneity. If a child says bubbles (especially for the first time) targets go out the window and we’re blowing bubbles for the next 10 minutes if the child is still into it, for example. If the child isn’t working well in session, we pivot and find other ways - for example, the bulk of a session last week was at the neighbourhood park when our little learner rolled on the floor for a solid 3 minutes before being able to choose a toy from the bin.
Spontaneity is possible WITH programming. Spontaneity is possible WITH aba principles in place. Spontaneity is possible WITH following all necessary guidelines and requirements of the government. It is up to the team to ensure that spontaneity is pursued. It’s up to the supervisor to look beyond the data-based goals and ensure enjoyment for everyone.
To swing back and close out, ABA is transitioning. We are becoming a much more compassionate science and we want to adjust for the mistakes of our past. We are taking in feedback from kiddos who have gone through ABA programs 20-30+ years ago and changing things moving forward. Maybe we were wrong. But I caution you: don’t paint every provider with the same brush. Don’t assume that someone doing ABA is obviously doing it in a harmful way. The whole field is changing and I am absolutely here for it. I love the direction we are all moving in and am happy to participate in this “new” version of things.
