In the Part three installment of their series on autism, The L.A. Times continues exploring facts and misconceptions surrounding the neurological disorder. This time, writer Alan Zarembo focuses his lens on applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Some autism experts question the cost, intensity and effectiveness of the therapy. For instance, autism specialist Dr. Bennett Leventhal of the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, N.Y, notes in the article that “in rare cases an autistic child receiving therapy can improve enough to pass for normal.
But others who are deemed recovered ‘probably never really had autism in the first place,’ he said.”
There are some studies that suggest that not all cases benefit from ABA. Children with autism spectrum disorder didn’t improve from more intensive ABA programs compared with targeted or less intensive programs, according to a prospective study published last month in Research in Developmental Disabilities.
Currently, my husband and I do not—I repeat—do not use this therapy for our son. However, I agree with the assertion that there needs to be an alternative to ABA, particularly in severe cases of autism. As a special-needs parent, it makes me nervous putting all my eggs in one basket, especially if that basket springs a leak.
But there are some parents who rely on ABA just to make it through the week. There isn’t a 100 percent success rate on any therapy for autism. There can’t be for a disorder that is still in the early throes of research and treatment.
It sucks that some of us may get a “typically” functioning child and some of us may not (sorry, I don’t believe in total recovery). But I believe in the right to try anything to reach your child. I believe fighting for any potential therapy so that child can hold a gaze longer or say, “I love you.” And as a special-need parent, I will go to war with anybody who tries to bar me from that right.
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