Why I left ABA: Ethical concerns that can’t be ignored - Anneke Elmhirst

Anneke Elmhirst is a relationship coach and former behavior analyst. With her we discuss: - Ethical concerns with ABA practices and how they can impact neurodivergent children. - The importance of respect and self-regulation in building healthier relationships between neurodivergent children and their parents. - How parent education can foster acceptance and long-term well-being for children with special needs. Anneke shares her journey from behavior analysis to relationship coaching, revealing why she left the ABA field due to ethical concerns and how she now empowers families and individuals to thrive authentically. Claudie explains the brain's role in self-regulation and the neurobiology behind stress reduction in children with sensory challenges. She also shares sensory enrichment strategies, including specific games to support emotional regulation and build trust between parents and children. Episode Highlights @3:37 - Anneke explains why she transitioned from ABA to coaching, citing the need for more ethical, child-centered practices. @7:28 - Anneke describes her concerns about the societal pressures in ABA, including an anecdote about pushing children toward "age-appropriate" recreational skills that might not bring them joy. @13:33 - Anneke challenges the idea that parents must "change" their children to fit societal norms and highlights the importance of fostering acceptance. @15:23 - Anneke shares practical steps for educating parents about behaviors like stimming and how to help them reframe these actions positively. @24:06 - Claudie explains how serotonin imbalances contribute to anxiety in nonverbal children and describes sensory enrichment activities, like massage and music, that help children self-regulate. @38:11 - Claudie shares a touching story about how offering alternatives for a child's unsafe stimming behavior led to mutual respect between the child and parent. @38:51 - Anneke highlights why respect is a two-way street and shares how children often communicate respect in unique ways. @40:52 - Anneke discusses how teaching children to respect boundaries fosters emotional growth and independence.