Our statement regarding ABA
At Shoreline, we are guided by the principles of neurodiversity and therefore reject any use of Applied Behavioral Analysis ("ABA") or behavior modification with neurodivergent individuals. We pledge to our clients and their families that our therapy will be free of any clinical use of behaviorism, including but not limited to operant conditioning. While we respect the right of every family to choose which therapies are best for their children, we are unable to accept any clients who are currently receiving ABA and must immediately discharge clients who begin ABA. Although this policy is firm, we invite open discussions with those with contrasting points of view. At Shoreline, we are committed to listening to autistic voices!
FAQs
Q: Why don't you accept clients who receive ABA?
A: Applied Behavior Analysis is rooted in principles of behavioral modification. Many neurodivergent (especially autistic) teens and adults report traumatic effects of ABA approaches. These approaches are in direct opposition to the principles of neurodiversity, which inform everything we do at Shoreline Therapies.
Click here for more information, including lived experience from Autistic people which informs our position.
Q: Can you make any exceptions?
A: We are unable to make any exceptions. We have found from experience that progress in neurodiversity-affirming therapy is made difficult or even impossible when clients are concurrently receiving ABA therapy.