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Accepted Paper:
An anti-scientific practice: autistic digital advocacy exposing Applied Behavioral Analysis as a conversion therapy
Mayne Benedetto
(Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon)
Paper short abstract:
This paper proposes an ethnographical investigation within autistic only groups on Facebook during 2020. I reflexively examine, using observant participation, how ABA constitutes a conversion therapy, its devastating effects, and the efforts of the autistic community to redefine healthcare.
Paper long abstract:
This paper proposes an ethnographical investigation within autistic only support groups on Facebook during 2020. This qualitative study examined digital content and online interactions about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Drawing on data from an initial empirical effort to implement this approach, I reflexively examine, using observant participation, how ABA constitutes a conversion therapy whose sole objective is making autistic people behave like their “normal” peers, its devastating effects, and the effort of the autistic community to redefine healthcare for those on the spectrum.