Let’s be real for a second. If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s familiar with traditional ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), you’ve probably experienced moments where you thought, “Does my child even want to do this?” Or maybe you’ve sat through a therapy session thinking, “There has to be a better way.” Well, guess what? There is a better way, and it’s here. Introducing the new wave of ABA that’s all about honoring assent—and let me tell you, it’s making a world of difference.
Gone are the days of forcing kids to do things they clearly don’t want to do (cue the dreaded ‘sit down, do this, do that’ routine). Instead, the focus has shifted to practices such honoring assent and having the child be happy, relaxed, and engaged, two fancy terms that boil down to something beautiful: respecting the child’s voice, choice, and right to say, “No, thanks!” Yeah, you read that right. The new ABA is all about listening to the kids—and it’s working.
What’s the Deal with Honoring Assent?
Picture this: You walk into a fancy restaurant, and instead of a menu, the waiter just plops down a plate of food and says, “Eat this, now.” Um, excuse me? You’d probably be a little peeved, right? Well, the old way of ABA had a bit of that “one-size-fits-all” flavor. But now, we’re handing the kids the menu! Assent-based ABA gives kids the power to agree or opt-out, to participate willingly, and to have a choice in what they’re learning and how they’re learning it.
And guess what happens when kids want to be there? They learn better! When kids know they have a say, they’re more engaged, more cooperative, and more likely to stick with it—even when things get tough. It’s the difference between “dragging your kid to the dentist” and “letting them choose the toothpaste flavor.” It’s a big deal.
Why It’s Changing Lives (And Actually, It’s Kind of Fun)
This shift in ABA is a game-changer, and here’s why:
1. Kids Are Happier (And So Are Parents)
The new ABA is kind of like sprinkling a little magic dust over therapy sessions. When kids are given the power to say, “I’m not feeling it right now,” they feel respected. And when they’re respected, they’re happier. No more meltdowns over seemingly minor requests, no more battles over “one more trial.” Kids aren’t just complying—they’re choosing to be there, and that’s huge.
Parents, if you’ve ever had to cajole, negotiate, or flat-out beg your child to engage, you know the difference this makes. Assent-based ABA means fewer power struggles and more “Wow, they’re actually enjoying this” moments. It’s like convincing your kid to eat broccoli by letting them dip it in rainbow sprinkles. (Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea.)
2. It Builds Real-Life Skills Without the Tears
Here’s the thing: life isn’t a series of rigid commands. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes a bit wacky. This new approach teaches skills in a way that kids can actually use outside the therapy room—like in the wild (aka, everyday life). By honoring a child’s assent, they learn not just the what but the why behind behaviors, and they carry those lessons forward with pride. It’s not about compliance; it’s about collaboration.
Plus, when kids have a say, it’s amazing what they can achieve. They’re not just learning; they’re growing. It’s like giving them the steering wheel in a go-kart race and watching them zoom ahead (safely, of course).
The Big Picture: Creating a World Where Kids Feel Heard
Honoring assent is about more than just therapy sessions—it’s about creating a culture where kids with autism feel heard, respected, and valued. It’s about letting them have a voice in their own development. Yes, it’s therapy, but it’s also empowerment, and that’s what’s making the difference.
Kids who are part of the new ABA are developing confidence, independence, and real-life skills that last. They’re becoming problem-solvers, decision-makers, and advocates for themselves—all because someone handed them the mic and said, “What do you think?”
But What About Challenges?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this shift isn’t without its hurdles. Honoring assent means that sometimes, kids will say “no” to things you really want them to say “yes” to. There will be moments where you’re stuck thinking, “Okay, what now?” But those moments are opportunities to get creative. It’s not about forcing the journey; it’s about enjoying it—even if it takes a few unexpected detours.
The truth is, honoring assent requires patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. But the rewards? They’re priceless. Watching a child discover their own motivation, make choices, and celebrate victories—no matter how small—is the kind of joy that sticks with you. It’s like finding out the boring meeting you were dreading is actually a pizza party. It’s the good stuff.
Wrapping Up: The Future of ABA is Here
This isn’t just a shift in therapy; it’s a shift in mindset. The new ABA isn’t about “getting kids to comply”—it’s about helping them thrive. It’s about creating spaces where they feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. It’s about building skills that matter because the child chooses to engage.
So here’s to the future of ABA: one where kids are in the driver’s seat, where their voices matter, and where every little “yes” is celebrated—sprinkles and all. This is why the new ABA, with its focus on honoring assent, is changing lives for the better. It’s positive. It’s real. And yes, it’s a little bit funny.
But mostly? It’s better for everyone.