The Future of ABA Starts Here
Welcome to the Progressive ABA Network: A New Chapter Begins
Welcome, guardians, advocates, educators, clinicians, and allies. Today marks a significant milestone as we launch our blog on the Progressive ABA Network webpage, a dedicated digital home for a community committed to evolving the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for autistic individuals.
For too long, the narrative around autism intervention has been dominated by rigid, compliance-based models that too often fail to honour the individual's autonomy, identity, and potential. We believe it's time for a change. It's time for an approach that is not only effective but also ethical, compassionate, and affirming.
The Progressive ABA Network is founded on a simple, powerful idea: that the best outcomes are achieved when we partner with individuals, respect their unique neurology, and build programs based on trust and joy, not just data points. We are a collective of professionals and advocates dedicated to moving the field forward through education, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing better.
The Foundation: A Groundbreaking New Book
This movement is built on the solid foundation laid by our new book, Abandoning Traditional Autism Programming with a Modern Approach. Its successful release has ignited crucial conversations worldwide, challenging long-held practices and championing a future where ABA is synonymous with respect, relevance, and genuine life-changing outcomes. Check it out here.
The response has been overwhelming, and the dialogue is just beginning. We are thrilled that this vital message is reaching new audiences, as seen in two recent and powerful interviews:
In a compelling conversation on The Shaun Proulx Show, we delve into the "why" behind this progressive shift, discussing the ethical imperative to move beyond traditional models and create a more inclusive, effective practice. Listen to the full interview here.
NOW Toronto highlighted the work as a truly life-changing approach for the community, bringing this critical perspective to a wider public audience and underscoring the real-world impact of these principles. Read the feature in NOW Toronto.
Deepen Your Practice with Our Upcoming Offerings
The book is just the start. The Progressive ABA Network is your hub for continuing this journey through dynamic, practical learning opportunities. We are excited to announce two new ways to engage with our community and deepen your understanding.
Upcoming Trainings — Stay tuned!
Knowledge is power, and putting that knowledge into practice is our goal. We will be releasing a series of trainings designed to equip you with the progressive skills you need. These sessions will move from theory to actionable strategies, covering topics such as:
- Traditional to Progressive ABA: Evolving Away from Archaic Practices
- Progressive ABA: Challenging Stereotypes
- Operating a Compassionate Culture
- ABA Ethics for Dignity and Autonomy
- Crucial Curricula for Education Programs
- Teaching Functional Communication and Social Skills: Overcoming Neglected Needs
- Promoting Generalization and Real-World Application: Addressing Disconnection
- Fostering Independence and Adaptive Skills: Moving Past Learned Helplessness
New Podcast: Reinforce This!
The conversation continues with our upcoming podcast! We'll discuss and explore the nuanced, challenging, and inspiring facets of progressive ABA. This will be a space for learning and unlearning our progressive approaches.
Head over to our website to access our podcast, listen and learn more: www.progressiveabanetwork.ca/blog-podcast
Join Us in Shaping the Future
The path to a more progressive, ethical, and effective future for ABA is one we must walk together. This network is for you to learn, to share, to question, and to grow.
We invite you to explore the resources on our site, connect with us on social media, and become an active part of this vital community.
Thank you for being here at the very beginning. The work continues, and the best is yet to come.
With hope and solidarity,
The Progressive ABA Network Team
