The ethics of behavioural therapies

The ethics of behavioural therapies

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) loses its ethical basis whenever the therapist shows a lack of empathy towards the person's pain. This method must not become a form of animal training.

True listening

‘Learning to listen to what we are really being told is a necessity.’

— Piero Ferrucci

We often believe we are listening without actually doing so. Therapists would benefit from mastering both the physical and psychological aspects of the issues in order to listen more perceptively (Dr K).

Respect for personal space

Invading someone's space, especially that of a person with a disability, shows a lack of ethics. For example, leaning over a person in a wheelchair is an intrusion into their intimacy. This act is undignified and must be prohibited.

Recognising the AS adult

It is essential to regard AS people as intellectually mature adults. Treating them like children is deeply shameful and demeaning. It is a form of ableism.