Bonanni: Autistic children face abuse risks in therapy programs | Opinion
April 16, 2026
Autistic children are vulnerable in therapy programs. A Michigan case shows how safeguards can fail, leading to abuse.
Concerns are mounting over the potential for abuse and harm within some therapeutic programs designed for autistic children, bringing a contentious debate into the public eye. An opinion piece published on April 16 has highlighted the risks that some children may face, prompting a closer look at the methods and oversight of widely practiced autism therapies. The article draws attention to a growing movement of autistic adults and advocates who are questioning the goals and techniques of certain interventions.
At the heart of the controversy is a therapy known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). While many practitioners and organizations view ABA as an effective, evidence-based treatment for helping autistic individuals develop skills and reduce harmful behaviors, a significant number of critics, including autistic self-advocates, argue that it can be detrimental. They contend that the therapy's focus on modifying behavior to align with neurotypical standards can be psychologically damaging, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some have even likened the experience to "conversion therapy."
The critique of these programs often centers on the idea that they prioritize compliance over the child's emotional well-being and autonomy. Critics point to practices that may involve ignoring a child's distress signals, forcing eye contact, or discouraging natural self-soothing behaviors, known as stimming. There is concern that teaching children to suppress their instincts and comply with demands without question could make them more vulnerable to other forms of abuse by conditioning them to ignore their own feelings of discomfort. While modern ABA has largely moved away from the aversive techniques used in its early history, the debate over its core principles continues.
In Michigan, the landscape of autism services has been shaped by legislation enacted over the last decade. Laws passed in 2012 mandated that state-regulated insurance plans cover medically necessary treatments for autism, including ABA. This led to a significant increase in the availability of such services. The state also established a licensing board for behavior analysts in 2018. However, the recent opinion piece suggests that despite these regulatory measures, gaps in oversight and a lack of universal standards may still leave children at risk.
The conversation sparked by these concerns points toward a need for greater scrutiny of all therapy programs. Stakeholders, including parents, autistic advocates, and healthcare providers, are calling for a shift towards therapies that are centered on the child's assent and well-being, respecting neurodiversity rather than seeking to normalize behavior. The path forward will likely involve a deeper examination of how to ensure all therapeutic interventions are not only effective but also affirming and safe for every child. This includes robust oversight, better training for therapists, and a commitment to listening to the perspectives of autistic individuals who have firsthand experience with these programs.
Source: detroitnews