Posts in Autism
Applied Behavior Analysis: Anti-Ableism w/ Dr. Megan Miller and Dr. Kerri Milyko

In a retrospective follow-up with Dr. Kerri Milyko and Dr. Megan Miller, we revisit the discussion around Applied Behavior Analysis, Anti-Ableism, Autism, and how we can all do better. For those of you eager to hear voices other than Abraham and Shane discussing this topic, this is one of the episodes you've been waiting for.

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228 | Psychology's Checkered Bible

A comprehensive history of the Diagnositc and Statistical Manual of the United States. Where did diagnoses come from? Where do they come from now? We don’t pull any punches but try to be as fair as possible. What do you want to know about the DSM?

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219 | ABA Pt. 9: Reflections

In this epilogue, Shane reveals his true experience with this miniseries as well as how he has changed because of it. Abraham reflects on the process and the gratitude we have toward our listeners.

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218 | ABA Pt. 8: The Finale

This is what we have been building toward. The most vitriolic insult hurled at behavior analysis is to compare it to gay conversion “therapy” (see past episode for a full-length discussion of this harmful practice). This is rooted in the idea that behavior analysts are just out to make autistic people indistinguishable for normative populations by changing who they are. We really get into the weeds of the nuances in unpacking this complicated issue.

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217 | ABA Pt. 7: Feelings

Behavior Analysts are accused of ignoring the feelings of the individuals whom they serve. This can be in the form of blocking self-soothing behaviors such as stereotypy, or simply pushing for working through emotional experiences. This is further evidenced by the fact that discussions of feelings are all but absent from professional literature from behavior analysts. Although seldom discussed, feelings are important to behavior analysts. In addition, behavior analysts are not experts in emotional mental health, so are most likely to refer to a specialist. We <3 emotions.

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216 | ABA Pt. 6: Dependency

Applied Behavior Analysts are sometimes accused of enforcing compliance to the point that an individual doe not have autonomy to make their own choices or learn to say no. We think everyone should be a little noncompliant now and then (as long as no one is getting hurt!). What do we have to say for ourselves?

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215 | ABA Pt. 5: Obedience

Applied Behavior Analysts are sometimes accused of enforcing compliance to the point that an individual doe not have autonomy to make their own choices or learn to say no. We think everyone should be a little noncompliant now and then (as long as no one is getting hurt!). What do we have to say for ourselves?

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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214 | ABA Pt. 4: Applying It

This next discussion centers around the accusation that people who experience ABA services can come across as robotic, decontextualized, and uncaring about what they say and do. How do we overcome the awkward and perfunctory-sounding responses?

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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213 | ABA Pt. 3: Little Robots

This next discussion centers around the accusation that people who experience ABA services can come across as robotic, decontextualized, and uncaring about what they say and do. How do we overcome the awkward and perfunctory-sounding responses?

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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212 | ABA Pt. 2: A History of Punishment

The second installment in our discussion about the controversy around ABA as abusive by discussing a history of punishment. This is a shorter discussion but packed full of information. Two down…

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211 | Applied Behavior Analysis Part 1

Our best effort to diplomatically introduce the broiling controversy around ABA as abusive and accusations comparing ABA to conversion therapy. We prepare for what is going to be a several-week miniseries explaining and responding to vocal critiques of Behavior Analysis. We love you all, please don’t hurt us.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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195 | Yoga na Love This

Get your stretchy pants and a dense rubber mat and prepare to be lead in a psychological stretch! This discussion covers what yoga is, the benefits to psychology, its relation to behavior analysis, and skepticism about some of the wild claims. Whether or not you’re a yogi, there is something here for you!

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192 | The new ABA & OT Podcast

We invited the hosts of an exciting new podcast to share what they are doing with their podcast: The ABA & OT podcast. This new podcast is a collaboration between a Behavior Analyst and an Occupational Therapist who found common ground in Precision Teaching and helping children with disabilities. A real effort to bridge to estranged worlds in psychology and human service.

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144 | Default Mode Network of the Brain

We do our best to define altruism through the ways others have defined it. We break down the philosophical traditions that have tried to define, explain, and promote altruism. We read from some religious texts on altruism. We failed to point out in this discussion that if someone were to intend harm and do good, that would technically meet the definition of altruism but also not be something we’d want to promote. In the end, we advocate for prosocial behavior and point out that the definition is not particularly helpful right now.

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140 | Sensory Integration Therapy | Why We Do What We Do

A potentially controversial issue in which we take on sensory integration therapy. Important to note that we are NOT criticizing occupational therapists. We dug deep into the literature on sensory integration therapy and told the story that the data present. That is, we take as diplomatic and charitable a position as we can while remaining honest. Science does not paint a flattering picture.

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105 | What's Going On With Weighted Vests? | Why We Do What We Do

Some people use clothing with weights added on children to “help” them manage their challenging behaviors. This is commonly used with children with an autism diagnosis who demonstrate what are called stereotyped behaviors or stereotypy. How are these supposed to work? What does the research say. Don’t worry, Shane and Abraham have you covered. Check out our discussion of the philosophy and research on the use of weighted vests.

Listen in, and remember that you can reach us directly at 775.525.0908, at info@wwdwwdpodcast.com, through the comments below OR on social via @wwdwwdpodcast or #wwdwwdpodcast.

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