Perception Psychology Mackay

17/11/2025

13/11/2025

08/11/2025

03/11/2025

Adding “play based” before ABA doesn’t change what it is or circumvent the harms it causes.

“underneath the cheerful facade, the mechanism hasn’t changed. ABA, no matter how softly it’s packaged, still centers on shaping compliance and extinguishing behaviors the therapist deems undesirable. The environment might look nurturing, but the goal remains behavioral control.
In “play-based” sessions, toys are often not used for genuine exploration or creativity. They’re used as reinforcers, a behavioral currency. Play isn’t child-led; it’s adult-orchestrated. If a child lines up cars instead of driving them, a perfectly valid and often calming autistic way of engaging, the therapist redirects them back to the “target” behavior. If the child gets absorbed in sensory play like spinning wheels or squishing Play-Doh, the therapist interrupts, folding the moment back into the structured lesson.

This isn’t play. It’s performance; a simulation of play designed to maintain the adult’s control.”

🔗 in comments

29/10/2025

17/10/2025

17/10/2025

October marks Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) awareness month and the focus this year is on the many faces of the neurological condition.

15/10/2025

10/10/2025

23/09/2025

Just saying…

Image credit: Neurodivergent_Lou

19/09/2025