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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

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Ethical Concerns with Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum "Disorder".

Daniel A Wilkenfeld, Allison M McCarthy

Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal

|April 28, 2020

Summary

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) raises significant ethical concerns. This study argues that ABA violates bioethical principles, infringing upon the rights of autistic individuals and their parents.

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Area of Science:

Bioethics
Developmental Psychology
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a prevalent intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Concerns have been raised by autism advocates regarding the ethical implications of ABA.
The effectiveness and ethical considerations of ASD treatments require ongoing examination.

Purpose of the Study:

To theoretically explore effective and ethical treatments for ASD.
To practically assess Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for systematic violations of bioethical principles.
To provide a bioethical perspective justifying advocates' concerns regarding ABA's impact on autistic individuals and parents.

Main Methods:

Bioethical analysis of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Examination of how ABA's purported benefits interact with ethical violations.
Argumentation based on established bioethical principles including justice, nonmaleficence, and autonomy.

Main Results:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) demonstrates systematic violations of fundamental bioethical tenets.
The claimed benefits of ABA do not mitigate, and often exacerbate, ethical transgressions.
ABA infringes upon the autonomy of autistic children and, in some cases, their parents.

Conclusions:

The ethical concerns raised by autism advocates regarding ABA are bioethically justified.
The application of ABA violates the principles of justice and nonmaleficence.
ABA's widespread use infringes upon the autonomy of autistic individuals and their families, necessitating a re-evaluation of its ethical standing in ASD treatment.