In search of free ABS therapy...

[groundhogy]

So, I am new to autism and to this forum (this is my first sentence here. lol).
I am of the understanding that ABA is the most effective psychological therapy for most autistic kids and the earlier you get it, the better.

And its expensive due to the one on one setting for many hours a week.

And, Im learning, difficult to get when on public insurance or through school districts. Most public systems are set up to manage large groups of disabled kids, not so much to effect or attempt a cure...

I want my kid cured if possible.. obviously.
And I dont have much money. And I have no income at the moment.
I have been living on the cheap as a nomad for about 9 years and traveling by sailboat and now by RV.

Is there a state in the union that publicly funds say a 40 hour week of one on one ABA therapy?
If so, which states are these?

Are there ways to get free ABA? Say, at a university that teaches ABA and taking my kid there for the students to practice?
Any other known tricks for getting a child in front of ABA therapists?

Thank you for helping,
gh

 

[Joel's Hear]

Many autistic people consider ABA torture, and have developed PTSD or depression from it.

(From Wikipedia)


CriticismEdit
Conversely, various major figures within the autistic community have written biographies detailing the harm caused by the provision of ABA, including restraint, often used with mild self stimulatory behaviors such as hand flapping, and verbal abuse. Several of these have since been diagnosed with PTSD and depression. The Autistic Self Advocacy Networkcampaigns against the use of ABA in autism.[106] Less scholarly reviews were provided by Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn of The Atlantic[107] and by an ex-practitioner.[108]

Other people have considered it valid. I would strongly advise looking further into this (which I assume is what you're doing)

I personally would never subject my own children to ABA.

 

[groundhogy]

I dont think they do the negative feedback anymore from what I understand.

 

[Joel's Hear]

It's more the relative constraint and long, intense hours. Im not a fan of school either - the little prisons - and I don't think the world understands or cares sufficiently for autistic people in general to formulate a plan that nurtures what an autistic person has rather than seeks them to conform. It can be hard work to homeschool, and there aren't many parents who can/will spend a large percent of their time with their special needs child. Which is what they need.

 

[Southern Discomfort]

I want my kid cured if possible.. obviously.

Stop right there. You have the wrong attitude towards autism. Autism isn't psychological, no amount of therapy is going to cure them from it, likewise with any crackpot "natural alternative treatments". You're certainly not going to get any help from people here with that thought process.

Without getting offended at your wish to "cure" someone, I understand what is probably your best intentions to get the best for your child but there will be a point where you have to live with the cards you are dealt. You could have you child put through extensive ABA but there will be a point where no more can be done and you and your child will have to deal with it.

 

[Progster]

Your child is a person, not a disease to be a cured or a problem to be solved. Embrace your child for who he is, work with what he does have and what he can do, rather than trying to 'cure' what you believe he hasn't got, or trying to make him be something that he isn't.

Autism can't be cured, but autistic traits can be tolerated and accommodated. Some ASD traits, such as anxiety, or depression, can be treated, or managed. Yes, your child will face difficulties, he will need to learn what is ok and what isn't ok if he wants to integrate into society, he will need to learn and adapt to some of society's social rules, but the motivation for this must come from him and not just from you - and ABA isn't the way. You need to help him by supporting him and helping him to find his own coping mechanisms and solutions for the challenges he faces, encouraging his interests and strengths, while letting him know calmly and directly when he has done wrong. Always tell him why a thing is wrong, and always be open, honest and direct in your communication. Always let him know what is to happen, when and why. Give him a warm and supportive environment, allow him to be what he wants to be, and he will flourish. He will appreciate you for it.

Oh, one last thing: don't forget: he may be a child, but he has an opinion. It's very imprtant that he feels included and consulted and informed in any decision you make regarding his education or the treatment of ASD symptoms.

 

[As sweet as-pie]

It's utterly disgusting that you want your child to be "cured". Please educate yourself and read up on what exactly autism is. You may be pleasantly surprised to rid yourself of your misconceptions. The best "treatment" for autism is to treat us as people and love us for who we are, and as a parent your duty is to love your child the way they are.

 

[VioletHaze_03]

I've tried ABA, it sucked. There is no "cure" for autism just like there is no "cure" for being left handed. Maybe ABA works for some kids on the spectrum, but i hated it. When i go to therapy i feel like i'm being converted into an NT, and forced to communicate in a way that makes me feel awful. I don't want to fake normal just so people can like me, and no one should have to. It makes me feel like the way i was naturally born was "wrong" and that if i want to be a decent human, I have to force myself to act in a way that is completely unnatural. I can't follow through with the drills they make me do because it feels so wrong. Don't go for ABA. Instead, find a social skills group made up of other autistic kids. I'm currently attending a small peer group that lets us interact naturally, i feel so much more comfortable than i do in ABA. In a group of kids like himself, your child will have support as they teach themselves functional social skills. Let your kid be your kid, if you try to "cure" him, you'll actually just do the opposite. He'll hate himself because he doesn't know how to fit the narrow standards you're forcing him into. I honestly feel like ABA a strategy set up by NT's to convert those on the spectrum so the normal people don't have to deal with us "Bothersome" autistics. If you want him to grow up thinking he's some kind of monster who doesn't belong on this planet, sign him up for ABA. If you want him to grow up thinking that he's a human being who deserves kindness and support like everyone else, learn to love and respect the differences he has been born with. IMO you should only consider heavier therapies like ABA if your child is having difficulty speaking, or has uncontrollable behaviour issues. And even then, there's other, less damaging options out there you could try.

 

[Coupe]

As someone who was in and out of therapist/specialist/psychiatrist/behaviorist offices as early age 5 and well into adolescence, made to attend an ABA/"social skills" day camp every day for three weeks when I was 14, and at age 26 is still terrified of being sent back there (or to someplace even worse) if I make even one mistake, deeply distrusts other human beings to the point of hardly ever leaving the house and over the years has learned to substitute self-injury for tears, all I have to say is...please, please don't do this to your child. Learn more about the Neurodiversity paradigm, listen to autistic people and just love your child the way they are. Please. I could never forgive myself if I didn't join the others who are speaking out in this thread, too.

 

[tducey]

I've never tried ABA since becoming an adult. I deal with the society here in Newfoundland for mainly career services. Of course I have a mild form of Autism so my level of treatment could be different. In any event I suggest you gauge the situation, yourself, and choose your own path to go down.