Hey Everyone! Long time no write. It’s been a busy few years for me personally, headlined by now having 3 children!
I recently got my website revamped, and this got me reading over some of my old blog posts and reflecting. The world of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the UK has seen significant changes over the past decade, reflecting on the shifts in our understanding of behaviour and also changes in the wider educational, social, and political landscapes (blimey, straight in with the big issues!). I look back at some past blogs and see how my practice is different now, which is reassuring but also makes me feel a bit cringe. As someone passionate about spreading ABA love, I think it’s worth exploring how our field has grown and how practitioners are adapting to the ever-changing environment.
Increased Awareness and Acceptance
Ten years ago, ABA in the UK was often misunderstood (I know, it still can be). Many parents and professionals associated it with outdated, overly rigid methods or thought it was only for children with autism. While ABA is still most widely used in autism interventions, its broader applications—helping people with learning disabilities, managing behaviours of concern, or even improving organisational systems—are gaining recognition. I think working with adults is definitely an area that’s grown in the UK, from my perspective.
The increase in public awareness has been driven by better practice, increased regulation, advocacy efforts, and families sharing success stories. However, we still have a way to go in battling misconceptions, particularly around the ethical and flexible nature of modern ABA practices.
Stronger Ethical Frameworks
The emphasis on ethics has grown immensely. The UK Society for Behaviour Analysis (UK-SBA) have worked hard to instil a culture of ethical practice. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate closely with families, schools, other professionals and the individuals receiving support to create meaningful goals. Consent, assent, dignity, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
More Collaborative Working
ABA practitioners in the UK are increasingly working as part of multidisciplinary teams. Whether it’s in nurseries, schools, or homes, we collaborate with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, and teachers to ensure a holistic approach to support.
Previously, ABA practitioners often operated in a more isolated manner. Some practitioners have always been collaborative, but I think more are now. Today, joint goal-setting and consistent communication between professionals mean that interventions are more seamless and integrated into everyday life. Also, ‘playing nicely with others‘ helps build the field’s reputation.
Shifts in Local Authority
Some local authorities now recognise the benefits of ABA and provide funding for interventions through Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Of course, all LA’s are different, but a shift for the good. However, the availability of funded ABA services remains inconsistent, and advocacy continues to be a major part of our role as practitioners.
Focus on Diversity and Individualisation
In the past, ABA was sometimes criticised for being too “one-size-fits-all.” Today, there’s a much greater understanding of the importance of tailoring interventions to each individual. Practitioners are more aware of cultural diversity, neurodiversity, and how these factors influence the design and implementation of programmes. This is constantly evolving, and there’s still a way to go, but it’s progress.
For example, if I’m being honest, self-advocacy wasn’t a priority when I started out 15 years ago as an ABA therapist (at least not how it is today), but now ensuring that individuals have a voice in their own learning is key, however that looks.
Still Data-Driven
ABA has always been data-driven, and that hasn’t changed. However, how we collect and use data has evolved. There’s a greater appreciation for balancing quantitative data with qualitative input. Practitioners are more likely to engage in reflective practice, considering not just what the data says but also the context and emotional well-being of the learners.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing need to challenge stereotypes about ABA means that practitioners often find themselves acting as advocates, as much as service providers. This is often part of the role. I’m not sure about you guys, but dissemination can sometimes weigh heavy.
It can be hard to recruit ABA therapists, often with a higher demand than there are people.
Times have changed, and ABA has kept up with the times, evolving with society. The UK-SBA has played a big part in ABA in the UK becoming competent, ethical, and values led.
I thought about changing some of my older posts to reflect current views, but actually I think it’s important to reflect and look on our practice to shape our future practice. So just know, some of the older posts may not reflect my current practice or views.
Let’s keep spreading that ABA love! I’d love to hear the changes you’ve noticed most in the past decade; get in touch.
Have a question about ABA? Feel free to contact me through my blog or email me at james@abaconnect.co.uk
Thanks for reading!
James
ABA Connect 