Applied Behaviour Analysis for Autism: Evidence, Issues, and Implementation Barriers

Purpose of Review Interventions to address the needs of autistic individuals have been extensively researched. We briefly review the key findings and explore why, in spite of strong supporting evidence, the uptake of evidence-based procedures remains poor. Recent Findings Numerous meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and cost benefit analyses testify to the effectiveness of interventions based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA). Despite the progress made by both the autism advocacy and scientific communities, controversy and division remain among researchers, clinicians, and within the autism community. Funding for these evidence-based interventions is not always available. Misunderstandings and misconceptions about ABA abound. Challenges regarding appropriate research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of individualised interventions contribute to disagreements about what counts as evidence. There is an urgent need to reconcile these differences, develop mutual understanding between these communities, work together on research focused on promoting implementation, and to influence policy.