Over its history, the principles of ABA have been applied to various populations, such as Autistic children (Belisle et al., 2016 Hanley et al., 2014 Jones et al., 2013 Lang et al., 2009 LeBlanc et al., 2003 Lovaas, 1987), people with mental health conditions (Ayllon & Haughton, 1962 Isaacs et al., 1960 Jones & Friman, 1999 Villatte, et al., 2010), parents (Barnard et al., 1977 Bernal et al., 1980 Brookman-Frazee et al., 2009 Koegel et al., 1978 Latham, 1994 Latham et al., 2017, 2018 Marcus et al., 2001 Matson et al., 2009), teachers (Lerman et al., 2008), students (Krohn et al., 2012 Neef et al., 2011), and employees (Johnson & Fawcett, 1994 Rice et al., 2009). The field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has undeniably produced powerful changes and improvements in the lives of many. 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. 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. This is partially accomplished by incorporating concerns from the Autistic self-advocate community. 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, 3–9 Rekers & Lovaas, 1974, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 173–190), and providing a review of the social validity and ethical implications of having “indistinguishability” as an explicit or implied goal. One criticism from those outside the field is that the goal of ABA therapy is to make Autistic people appear “indistinguishable” from their peers. However, the field is not immune from criticism. The field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has produced powerful changes and improvements to the lives of many.
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