"Is ABA Ethical?" - The Many Names of Behaviour Therapy
- abamithila
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 7
The terms used to describe support for challenging behaviour are numerous and often confusing. ‘Behaviour Therapy,’ ‘ABA Therapy,’ and ‘Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)’ are frequently misunderstood as different approaches. Let's unpack these terms and address common myths surrounding behaviour interventions.
Since the introduction of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), various names for behaviour-based interventions have emerged in response to policy and cultural changes. However, any evidence-based therapy aimed at managing behaviour is necessarily rooted in ABA, as it is the scientific study of behaviour and learning.
Some claim that 'Behaviour Therapy' and 'PBS' are more ethical, play-based alternatives to ABA. This misconception moves focus away from the real issue: ethical practice. What determines whether ABA is ethical or not is not the science itself, but whether the therapists' approach centres the client in decisions about their behaviour change. Now let’s examine some common myths.
Myth: ABA uses punishment, while PBS only uses reinforcement.
Truth: PBS does not label the withholding of a reward until an appropriate behaviour is displayed as punishment, yet it functions as a punishment. It is the same punishment, also known as 'response-cost' used in ABA to ensure unsafe behaviours are not rewarded, which in turn reduces the chance of the unsafe behaviour occurring again.
Example: If a learner wants a toy but engages in negative behaviour such as hitting to communicate that desire, the therapist may withhold access to the toy (a response-cost) until the learner shows a more appropriate behaviour, such as asking for it politely.
As in PBS, reinforcement strategies are central to ABA. Both approaches emphasise the use of positive reinforcement to strengthen desirable behaviours. ABA specifies a minimum ratio of 4 instances of reinforcement, for every instance of a response-cost. Overall, the claim that other behaviour therapies "never use punishment" is incorrect, as ethical behaviour change often involves carefully balancing reinforcement (positive consequence) and response-cost (negative consequence) to shape behaviour.
Myth: ABA focuses on reducing negative behaviours, while PBS focuses on teaching positive ones.
Truth: Both ABA and PBS focus on understanding why a behaviour is occurring, and then teaching alternative, positive behaviours that serve the same goal. This is grounded in the principle that all behaviour serves a purpose, and to reduce challenging behaviour, we need to teach more appropriate ways for the learner to get what they want.
Example: If a learner is hitting because they don’t know how to verbally communicate their needs, ABA practitioners will teach the child appropriate communication (such as negotiation skills) in order to reduce their need to communicate inappropriately.
At Spectra, every behaviour reduction goal is targeted alongside at least 2-3 behaviour increase goals. We also ensure the burden is not solely on the learner. We aim to better accommodate the needs of the learner by adapting the environment and behaviours of others, such as through caregiver coaching.
Myth: ABA makes kids sit at a table and do repetitive, meaningless tasks—while Behaviour Therapy is play-based and enjoyable for kids.
Truth: The effectiveness of ABA is not dependent on one method of teaching, but on adapting to the preferences, strengths, and challenges of each learner. At Spectra, we utilise play-based and naturalistic teaching to ensure learning is enjoyable. Structured tasks are provided where appropriate, as some learners require a controlled environment to acquire skills. We also ensure learners are able to appropriately communicate their consent to a task or request a break, empowering them to be active participants in their learning.
Example: If a learner has a goal of practising colour identification, we might initially introduce the task in a more structured format, such as matching coloured cards at a table. However, if the learner prefers a more naturalistic setting, we might incorporate the activity into a game where they sort coloured toys.
ABA is a flexible approach, and while it may involve structured tasks, we at Spectra are committed to aligning our practices with the learner's needs and preferences. We are committed to promoting a life-long love for learning, by making our therapy sessions meaningful and fun for each learner.
The key differences between ABA and other behaviour therapies often lie in terminology rather than core principles. While some approaches frame their strategies in a way that appears less confrontational, they employ similar evidence-based techniques. Ethical behaviour change is not about rejecting ABA, but about ensuring it is applied in a respectful and client-centred manner. At Spectra, we proudly deliver ABA therapy within a strengths-based, play-focused framework that aligns with the needs of each learner. Our goal is not to make learners “normal” but to equip them with the skills to confidently navigate their environment.
