A call for discussion on stereotypic behavior

ABSTRACT

Researchers and interventionists, particularly behavior analysts, have a long history of empirically evaluating and clinically implementing interventions related to stereotypic behaviors for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Despite evidence of the effectiveness of these procedures in decreasing stereotypic behaviors and establishing adaptive competing repertoires, some neurodiversity activists have increasingly expressed concerns about interventions related to stereotypic behaviors. The purpose of this paper was to recognize some of the issues raised by various sources, underscore the importance of including consumers in the selection of goals and methods of intervention from a social validity perspective, discuss balancing concerns with the right to effective behavioral treatment, and consider areas of overlap, reconciliation, and discourse. We urge behavior analysts to continue to include relevant consumers in the selection of goals and intervention, ensure effective behavioral treatment, and approach addressing stereotypic behavior from a place of compassion and caring for our clients.

KEYWORDS:

• Ableism
• autism
• neurodiversity
• self-stimulatory behavior
• stereotypic behavior

Disclosure statement

J. Leaf, Cihon, Ferguson, and Milne are employed by a non-for-profit that conducts ABA-based research and provides ABA-based trainings and services. R. Leaf and McEachin own a company that provides ABA-based trainings and services. J. Leaf, R. Leaf, McEachin, Cihon, Ferguson, and Milne have authored ABA-based books that are available for sale. All other authors have no potential conflict of interest to report.

Compliance with ethical standards

No funding was received for this manuscript. There were no human participants in this manuscript and therefore we did not need to receive informed consent was obtained from the parents of all individual participants included in the study. We were in accordance with ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with 1964 Helsinki decoration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Data availability statement

The data to support this review was based upon previous research. Therefore, there is no data that is publicly available.

Informed consent statement

There were no participants in this manuscript. Therefore we did not need to receive informed consent.

Notes

1. This terminology was selected to adhere to the 7^th edition of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual and to be inclusive of those who prefer person-first as well as identity-first language.

2. When discussing prior research, the terminology used within that research is preserved.