People, and families, experiencing Autistic presentations are often reluctant to seek support and advice due to stigma and historical ideas about the condition.
When we enter the Autism world, articles, support, training and many books are all based on a medical model. What is ‘wrong’, ‘what symptoms’ do we have, ‘what treatments can we find’, what ‘cures’ can we expect. This creates anxiety in families, taints relationships, stains childhood, and perpetuates shame. I now know that we can’t cure Autism, and I wouldn’t want to. I changed my language from ‘symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and cure’ a long time ago. I prefer ‘presentations, identification, adaptation, support and strategy’.
During a conversation with local Educational Psychologists, we talked in depth about language and they wholeheartedly agreed. However, in order to support families around payment and in particular insurance, medical terms still need to be applied. Without ‘diagnosis and treatment’ medical insurance companies would not fund identification. There is a huge piece of work to be done in the area. I thank those of you who are travelling this journey on behalf of the Autistic community.
One ‘method’ which forces neurodiverse people to ‘perform’ in neurotypical ways is Applied Behaviour Analysis. There is lots of controversy around this process. I have always found it distressing to watch a child being physically prevented from stimming, or being forced to sit in a chair when all they need to do is move. One of my students converses most coherently when he is bouncing on a trampoline. Not a problem for me!
I have been buoyed this week by the American Medical Association’s (ABA) recommended policy change in language.
“The differences between that and the current policy include the removal of language for coverage of Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA), and replacing “treatment of” with “services for” Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
Reference: https://autisticphd.com/theblog/ama-policy-stops-aba-supports-autistics/
Another interesting development is the recommended removal of specifically mentioning ‘Applied Behavioural Analysis’ (ABA). There are many alterative support programmes and by naming ABA practitioners and families are led to believe that this is the only option.
It will be interesting watching this space.
Other articles:
THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR ABA AND OPENS THE DOOR FOR MORE ADVOCACY FOR DIR
https://www.icdl.com/about/news/ama
Debates on the effectiveness and previous damaging controversies about ABA has meant the AMA is considering to distance itself from the therapy
https://au-ti.com/2023/07/13/ama-considers-changing-its-position-on-aba-therapy/
Alternatives to ABA Therapy
https://www.socialciphergame.com/post/alternatives-to-aba-therapy
11 Ethical Alternatives To ABA Therapy For Autism
https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/aba-therapy-alternatives
Referendum 706 Unedited Full Text
AMA House of Delegates Handbook
2023 Annual Meeting June 9-14, 2023
[Resolution: 706 (A-23) Page 1 of 4]
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Introduced by: Medical Student Section
Subject: Revision of H-185.921, Removal of AMA Support for Applied Behavior Analysis
Referred to: Reference Committee G
