I remember reading someone say "ABA doesn't punish anymore, it encourages proper behaviour," and then listed off ways they're changing non-harmful behaviours. What's wrong with lining up toys? What's wrong with rocking? What's wrong with not maintaining eye contact? What's wrong with non-harmful autistic behaviours? You're forcing kids to go through hours, and hours, and hours of "therapy" just so they act less autistic.
Sure, most ABA may not punish children with physical violence, or neglect, or withholding food anymore, that doesn't mean it doesn't have a LONG way to go. Honestly, if it keeps to its roots, it'll never be good.
And before my comment section is filled with people saying "Well my experience with ABA was positive," keep in mind that a lot of clinics offering good therapy, that actually helps autistics, label themselves as ABA, not because they're actually ABA, but because that's the only way they'll get government funding, or that your insurance will cover it.
