Benji’s Negative Experience with ABA Led Us to Create an Approach Centered on Intrinsic Motivation and Meaningful Participation

Benji using his PECS binder at one of his favourite spots, Starbucks, a place he’s loved visiting since he was young.

Understanding ABA: A Common Approach for Children with Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was recommended by SLPs as a learning technique commonly employed for children with autism spectrum disorder. It’s a therapeutic approach based on the science of learning and behavior, often used to help autistic children develop skills and reduce challenging behaviors.

Key aspects of ABA include:

• Positive reinforcement: using external rewards such as food items, toys, screen time, or preferred activities to reinforce desired behaviors, rather than encouraging learning for intrinsic satisfaction.

• Extinction through planned ignoring: deliberately ignoring behaviors that are unwanted (when safe to do so) while actively rewarding desired behaviors.

• Breaking down skills into smaller, manageable steps.

• Data collection to track progress.

Benji was exposed to intensive ABA therapy from 2011 to 2014. For Benji, this was a diminishing experience and resulted in substantial emotional setbacks. He was often made to perform tasks that were difficult for him and then ignored if he was not perceived as cooperative. This reinforced the feeling that his voice was not heard and that he wasn’t respected. As a result, he experienced regression, frustration, and a lack of trust.

We realized that ABA relied on external rewards rather than fostering intrinsic motivation, a premise we did not agree with. However, this became an important learning experience on our journey toward developing the right individualized path for Benji.

Our customized program also breaks down skills into small, manageable steps to ensure Benji can achieve success. The expert team is incredibly creative and resourceful in designing tasks that set him up for success, based on their deep understanding of his challenges. Regardless of how long a skill takes to master, simplifying the task and building on small wins creates a foundation of confidence and continuous growth.

Some skills may take months or even years to develop, but with patience, love, and encouragement, Benji has built a strong foundation of success and become a true partner in his learning. He isn’t motivated by food items or toys—he is motivated by the achievement of the skill itself.

Positive reinforcement from the team and community members remains essential to foster connection and trust, which are vital for Benji.

This philosophy became the foundation of our customized program:

1. Identify a skill to learn within a relevant, meaningful activity.

2. Break the skill down into its smallest manageable parts.

3. Work consistently and patiently within the context of that activity.

4. When the goal is achieved, the reward is participation in the activity itself.