They have a Voice; are we Listening?
Autistic self-advocates reject "indistinguishable from peers" as an ABA goal—honor their voice and rewrite your goals.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Veneziano and colleagues wrote a position paper. They asked Autistic self-advocates what they think about ABA goals.
The advocates said "indistinguishable from peers" hurts. It tells them their natural way of being is wrong.
What they found
The paper says stop aiming for indistinguishability. The goal clashes with Autistic values and identity.
Ethics codes already ask us to honor client dignity and self-determination. Keeping indistinguishability breaks that promise.
How this fits with other research
Anonymous (2024) asked community members the same question. They also want research and therapy that focus on context, not deficits. The new paper extends that call into daily ABA practice.
Chandroo et al. (2018) reviewed 15 studies. Students with autism sat silent at their own transition meetings. The 2023 paper says the field still talks over Autistic voices; the review shows we always have.
Fradet et al. (2025) surveyed autism researchers. Only a large share use identity-first language and few invite Autistic scholars. The position paper gives clinicians the same wake-up call the survey gives academics.
Why it matters
Your next treatment plan can show you listened. Swap "will appear indistinguishable" for goals the client chooses, like "will ask for a break using AAC." Ask, "What kind of life do you want?" and build skills that serve that life, not someone else's idea of normal.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has produced powerful changes and improvements to the lives of many. However, the field is not immune from criticism. One criticism from those outside the field is that the goal of ABA therapy is to make Autistic people appear “indistinguishable” from their peers. This paper examines “indistinguishability” and its implications by defining “indistinguishable” in behavior analytic terms, exploring how the term was used in two notable studies in the field (Lovaas, 1987, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55[1], 3–9; Rekers & Lovaas, 1974, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7[2], 173–190), and providing a review of the social validity and ethical implications of having “indistinguishability” as an explicit or implied goal. This is partially accomplished by incorporating concerns from the Autistic self-advocate community. We argue that the Autistic self-advocate community’s concerns surrounding “indistinguishability” as a goal have a degree of legitimacy and need to be given due consideration. Suggestions for addressing these concerns in ABA degree programs and research are discussed, emphasizing the importance of considering stakeholder values, taking criticisms seriously, and making changes when necessary.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2023 · doi:10.1007/s40617-022-00690-z