Agreed. One of the many reasons I’m interested in being there.

It sure feels that way.

Oh, fair - I meant more like what is a comparable role for a Registered Behaviour Technician in Europe. Does that role translate over or is that ABA specific?

That is very helpful. He’s a RBT. How does that translate?

Fair, though the initial point of this post is actually about my son-in-law who was inspired to move into this field because of the caring practitioners that helped my bonus son. As we look to move into the UK, he has to get a job in the field he works (skilled worker visa), so there’s that…

Please allow me to fix this: “the former is how SOME people practice ABA and that is not acceptable. The latter is acceptable and we should advocate for all practitioners to work in this way.”

And he has Loop earplugs, which help him with being able to bowl, which he loves.

The eye bit I knew about, so we’ve not forced that and taught him alternatives that look like you’re looking people in the eye but allow him to not for when he needs it with others who may not get it.

He does. These are all accommodations his ABA BCBA fought the school for (with us) + others we didn’t know would help him, like being able to listen to phone sounds to focus and drown out background noise, hats to help with fluorescent lighting that was triggering for him and more.

What’s the over/under that Russia has already infiltrated the Executive branch of our government? #UnitedStates #USpolitics #TrumpAdministration

Also, I am sorry that you experienced people who were content with abusing you. I agree, no one should have to experience that and we should work to reform the areas of psychology and sociology that promote harmful practices/behaviour.

For my bonus son, having access to those tools was the difference between staying in public school or not, having friends or not, being able to express himself in a way others could understand—and that he could understand them. That’s huge.

Let’s not paint the whole canvas with one colour or brush.

The best practitioners I know use it to reinforce identity, not suppress it. ABA, as a field, is still evolving. The tools themselves aren’t the enemy—it’s how they’re used. When applied positively, I’ve seen them make a real, meaningful difference.

Understanding behavior isn’t the problem—it’s how that understanding is applied. When done ethically, ABA (or any behavioral support) can help autistic individuals develop social and emotional tools to express themselves in ways that feel authentic to them, not just palatable to others.

In the U.S., “Autism Coach” isn’t really a thing—it’s all about what insurance companies will pay for. While ABA has a complicated history (and yes, there are still harmful practitioners), I don’t think it is all bad. Just like there are bad therapists, psychologists, & teachers, there is also good.

Ok, so let’s dive into this: A) I’m not a practitioner. I am an IOPsych and Branding- business. I think you may have missed where I said this was for my SIL and daughter. 1/6

Corey, that is your opinion and you’ve a right to it. However, that is my son-in-law’s profession and that is not how he practices it, so I’m going to refrain from engaging in what is a biased conversation from jump.

I appreciate it is not appreciated by everyone, and respect your dissenting view.

RBT = Registered Behavior Technicians. They execute the ABA treatment plans made by BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts). :)

ABA = Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. This is typically used to support those with Autism and Intellectual Developmental Disorders learn and reinforce socially significant norms, as well as how to manage their own behaviours in a healthy way. 1/2

Now, if you know of any ABA providers willing to sponsor/hire RBTs from the US so my SIL & daughter can get their skilled worker visas, that would also be helpful! :p

Sent her a connection request, thanks. Yeah, it’s definitely a bit complicated because we need to keep the business intact. :) Plus, the adult dependent questions… lawyer makes sense. Thanks!

Anyone in the Bluesky universe familiar with #immigration from the US to the UK? 🇬🇧 What do we need to consider? We are looking at this move for my PhD and to protect our neurodivergent kids and the quality of their education.

Do you really think we are going to be allowed another Presidential election, Mark? Asking with all sincerity. Watching Trump’s moves, the White House plans, refusal to discuss successors… I don’t know.

@kendricklamar.bsky.social started with the Not Like Us music and then swerved… stop teasing!! 😝 #Superbowl

I appreciate how @apnews.com is handling the “Gulf of America” change. The US is not the entire world- global orgs need to care for this by geography.

Trump’s blaming DEI for this is the STUPIDEST thing I’ve possibly ever heard.

His handlers clearly need to give him some coherent talking points.

I swear, I think the President believes if he says something often enough then it’ll just become true.

All 50 states moved towards the Republican Party? WTFE. 🙄

Hey Trumpie, your government has hired REMOTE WORKERS for years, so they don’t have an office to show up to.

Love that the Trump Administration so quickly entered their “FAFO Era.” Now we need to focus our fire and fury on the DEI EO ridiculousness and Kennedy. #ThisIsAmerica #USPolitics

I’m in like Flynn… would love this.

To friends and connections who are transgender or non-binary: I see you, respect you, & stand with you. No matter what rhetoric may arise as a result of the First Felon’s inaugural speech, your identity is valid, and your existence is undeniable. You have an ally in me. #ThisIsAmerica #PeopleFirst