Abstract
This study seeks to explore the extent to which Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practices can be aligned with neurodiversity-affirming principles to prioritize acceptance, accommodation, and support for autistic children with communication disorders. This research explores professional perceptions on the effectiveness of ABA interventions for addressing communication disorders in autistic children, thereby providing clinicians, educators, and caregivers with valuable insights into the most effective and ethical therapeutic approaches. This study analyzes survey data from 377 respondents with experience providing services to autistic children in the fields of either speech-language pathology or applied behavior analysis. ABA practitioners rated the effectiveness of ABA significantly higher than SLPs. In addition, SLPs reported they were significantly less likely than ABA professionals to recommend ABA to an autistic child with a communication disorder. The differences in philosophy between the two fields, in addition to the often-negative views of ABA held by SLPs, may pose a barrier to successful collaboration in intervention with autistic children with communication disorders.
Advisor
Furey, Joan
Department
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Recommended Citation
Krus, Bridget, "Speaking the Same Language? A Comparative Investigation into Professional Perceptions of Neurodiversity in Applied Behavior Analysis Intervention for Autistic Children with Communication Disorders" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11399.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11399
Disciplines
Disability Studies | Other Social and Behavioral Sciences | Semantics and Pragmatics
Keywords
Speech-language pathologist (SLP), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodiversity
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Bridget Krus