A Reflective Question to Ponder
25-083
A Reflective Question to Ponder is a central part of my advocacy work that challenges people to confront their assumptions about autism, neurodivergence, and the systems that define and control us. These questions aren’t meant to offer easy answers, but to provoke discomfort, spark critical thought, and invite dialogue that centers autistic perspectives. By asking what most people are afraid to ask, or haven’t yet considered, I aim to shift the narrative from compliance and observation to truth, justice, and liberation.
1. What emotions or ethical concerns arise when the word “experimentation” replaces “analysis?" Why might that be?
2. If autistic people were the ones designing behavioral experiments on non-autistic people, would society respond the same way?
3. What does the shift in language, from "analysis" to "experimentation" reveal about our comfort with power dynamics in ABA?
4. If calling it “experimentation” feels wrong, why doesn’t that discomfort translate into questioning the ethics of the practice itself?
***BONUS QUESTION***
5. Why is the term “therapy” often used to describe ABA, when its methods often mirror the structure of controlled experiments on behavior?
My aim for this post is to foster a fruitful dialogue where people can explore others' perspectives to better understand why they hold those perspectives. All responses are valid, and I ask that this remain a judgement-free zone (this means no personal attacks or derogatory comments). If you leave a perspective, please do ask for others' perspectives. I value and reflect on all responses and may write about my experience with this post but will never identify anyone or use others' comments without express written permission.
#FlipTheAutisticScript
#AutismUnderstanding
#ActuallyAutistic
#IdentityFirstLanguage
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
#AReflectiveQuestionToPonder
#AutismAdvocacyUnleashed
#NeuroexistentialistPhilosopher
#AutisticBillOfRights
#AutisticSocialJustice
#LiveLifeAuthentically