Real life experiences with ABA programs

Applied Behavior Analysis seems to be receiving the most positive press of any autism treatment. There is a wealth of research demonstrating that ABA is an effective method of teaching skills and appropriate behaviors while reducing inappropriate behaviors in persons with autism. Parents and ABA providers are organizing and lobbying state and federal government for insurance reform to provide coverage for this expensive intervention. News stories about ABA treatment for autism appear almost daily.

Since there is such a strong outcry in support of ABA, I would like to hear about actual families' experiences with ABA programs. What types of positive changes have you seen in your child? What areas of challenge does you child still have? After several years of intensive ABA, do you feel that your child is on the path to an independent, financially self-sufficient adulthood with meaningful social relationships? Have you revised your long term vision for your child in a more positive manner after the intervention?

Or do you still believe your child will need support in adulthood, despite the intensive, early intervention? If you feel that your ABA program was lacking in any areas, what are those areas? Have you adjusted your long-term expectations for your child downward after not having achieved the outcomes you had hoped for thus far? How has your future vision for your child changed?

My hypothesis, a feeling shared by some researchers, is that ABA is falling short in providing the great majority of children with autism meaningful long-term quality of life outcomes. If so, then we must seriously evaluate the state of autism interventions and begin to promote a "better mousetrap," so to speak. Perhaps the "behavioral" paradigm is not the best way to approach this disorder.