In this week's episode, I take on the controversial topic of ABA therapy. My guest, Ashley Gibson-Stewart, is a board-certified BCBA with a decade of experience. We validate what our autistic adult friends endured as kids in ABA therapy. At the same time, we talk about how much ABA has changed since then, what we’ve learned, and how it’s very different now. We can’t begin to heal what has been done in the past if we don’t first acknowledge it. What happened to our adult autistic friends back in the early days of ABA therapy was traumatizing and can never be allowed to happen again. We also must recognize how things have changed, and what kids experience now is very different. Presently, parents are not abusing their kids by utilizing ABA therapy. We can all work together to help make sure that we learn from the past and focus on what we need to do to heal and bring everyone together for the betterment of the many kids currently needing help to navigate life.

About Ashley Gibson-Stewart: I am a BCBA and have been in the ABA field for over a decade. I have worked with individuals from 18 months old to 67 years old across all settings and environments. My passion is working with clients and their families to make impactful changes and improve their quality of life, however that looks for them.

About Rob Gorski and The Autism Dad podcast:

Rob Gorski is a single Dad to three amazing autistic boys and Found and CEO of The Autism Dad, LLC. Multiple award-winning blogger, podcaster, content creator, social media influencer, and respected public figure for well over a decade.

Connect with Rob Gorski: https://listen.theautismdad.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Goally

Goally is a digital visual scheduler, AAC talker, token board system, and more all rolled into one easy-to-use app. It's made for unique thinkers like autistic kids and kids with ADHD. Kids together with Goally can conquer daily routines and therapy practice without prompting from mom or dad. This reduces that feeling of nagging your kids, and it also grants your kids some autonomy to sort of manage their own lives. Goally can easily be used on your child's existing device or with Goally's optional and affordable, dedicated device. In my house, we found that the dedicated device seems to work better for my son, so that's what we use.

For more information, you can visit getgoally.com and use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.

Learn More About Mightier

Mightier is a biofeedback-based video game platform that teaches kids to self-regulate emotionally. This leads to a significant reduction in meltdowns and parental stress. It's backed by science and has helped over 100,000 kids learn to regulate their emotions. For more information, the latest reviews/updates as well as current discount codes, visit theautismdad.com/mightier.

Read My Mightier Review and the code “theautismdad” to save 10% off your order.