How to Spot Unethical ABA Practices
What Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Provider
ABA therapy can be life-changing when done right! But like any field, not all providers offer the same quality or ethics. As more families in Utah seek ABA services, it’s important to know what to look for (and what to avoid).
Poor and unethical ABA practices can do much harm! It can take away trust, delay progress, or even cause emotional distress. Here's how to recognize red flags and make sure your child is getting care that’s both effective and compassionate. We have also included questions you can ask your BCBA to get the answers you need for proper ABA care.
1. Overemphasis on Compliance
If a provider constantly talks about making your child “compliant” or uses language like “non-compliant behavior,” it’s a red flag. Ethical ABA focuses on teaching functional skills, not forcing kids to obey for the sake of obedience.
🔎 What to ask:
“How do you balance teaching expectations with honoring a child’s autonomy?”
2. No Individualization
Ethical ABA programs are tailored to each person’s unique needs and strengths. If a provider uses the same goals or teaching strategies for every child, or seems to follow a one-size-fits-all curriculum, it likely lacks quality.
🔎 What to ask:
“How are treatment goals developed for my child specifically?”
3. Lack of Parent Involvement
You should never be left in the dark. Reputable ABA providers involve parents and caregivers in assessments, goal-setting, and ongoing training. If you're excluded or not informed about your child’s progress, that’s a real problem.
🔎 What to ask:
“How often will I be updated on my child’s progress? Will I be part of the goal-setting process?”
4. Use of Punishment or Aversives
Modern ABA no longer relies on harsh consequences or punishment-based strategies. If you hear about time-outs, withholding basic needs, or scolding used as a regular part of therapy, run the other way!
🔎 What to ask:
“What kind of behavior reduction strategies do you use? How do you handle challenging behavior?”
5. Untrained or Unsupported Staff
RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) must be properly trained, certified, and supervised. If technicians seem unsure, unprofessional, or are rarely supervised by a BCBA, that’s a serious ethical concern.
🔎 What to ask:
“How often does a BCBA observe and supervise sessions? Are your RBTs certified and background checked?”
6. Goals Focused on “Masking” Autism
Ethical ABA does not aim to make children “act less autistic.” If your provider is focused on suppressing stimming, enforcing eye contact, or discouraging natural behaviors without a clear reason, they may not respect neurodiversity.
🔎 What to ask:
“How do you ensure goals are respectful of my child’s identity and preferences?”
7. No Transparency or Data Access
Parents should have access to progress data, session notes, and any assessments conducted. If a provider avoids sharing information, that’s a red flag.
🔎 What to ask:
“Will I be able to review data from sessions? How do you measure progress?”
The Most Ethical & Best ABA Providers in Utah Will:
Hold a Day Treatment license from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Practice positive reinforcement and avoid punishment
Offer developmentally appropriate, individualized therapy
Involve parents at every step
Treat every client with dignity, respect, and compassion
Your child deserves therapy that helps them thrive—not just “fit in.” Trust your gut, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to switch providers if something feels off.
If you're looking for a provider in Utah that takes ethics seriously, Nova Supports offers person-centered ABA therapy for toddlers, teens, and adults—with trained staff, licensed clinicians, and a focus on real progress, not just compliance.
