Miami, Florida (February 2, 2026)
At Sensory Safe, our mission is simple at its core: to create spaces, tools, and experiences for individuals of all abilities.
No matter where, no matter when, we aim for safety, support and freedom to be YOU – just as you are. Autism, ADHD and other neurological differences are not something we view as needing to be cured or fixed.
As part of that commitment, we want to be clear about our stance on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
Our Position
We do not support ABA therapy as an intervention or service for Autistic individuals.
This position is grounded in extensive research, lived experiences shared by Autistic individuals both within our core team and outside our organization, and alignment with neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Why We Hold This Stance
Over the past decade, there has been a growing and urgent conversation within the Autistic community regarding the impact of ABA.
Many Autistic self-advocates, researchers, and disability rights organizations have raised consistent concerns, including:
- Compliance-based approaches that prioritize outward behavior over internal experience
- The use of repetition, conditioning, and reward/punishment systems to shape behavior
- The potential for masking, burnout, and long-term psychological harm due to ABA therapeutic interventions
- A historical and ongoing focus on making Autistic individuals appear “less autistic” for the comfort of society – rather than supporting the unique needs and autonomy of neurodivergent children & adults
First-person accounts from individuals who have undergone ABA frequently describe experiences of distress, loss of agency, and trauma.
We believe these voices and experiences matter.
Core Value Alignment
Our work is rooted in the belief that:
- Neurodivergence is not something to be fixed or cured
- Communication, movement, and expression are VALID, regardless of form
- Support should prioritize consent, autonomy, and dignity
- Disability and environment are correlative, and environments are adaptable
We advocate for approaches that are:
- Neurodiversity-affirming
- Trauma-informed
- Relationship-centered
- Individualized and consent-driven
For Families Navigating This Decision
We respect and recognize that many families are introduced to ABA as one of the only covered or recommended options. This recommendation often arrives early, with urgency, and without alternatives.
We also understand that access, insurance, resources and systemic limitations can make your choices feel constrained.
Our intention is not to shame or judge families.
Instead, we aim to:
- Provide transparency on our stance
- Share alternative resources, therapeutic approaches and support for individuals and families of all ages and abilities
- Create safe spaces for exploration, questions, and learning
What We Support Instead
Sensory Safe is committed to uplifting and building resources around:
- Sensory inclusive/informed environments and universal design principles
- Communication-first approaches (including AAC and non-speaking supports)
- Occupational therapy that is rooted in individual needs
- Play-based, interest-led learning systems & strategies
- Community based support systems
- Caregiver education grounded in neurodiversity affirming principles
Our Commitment Moving Forward
This stance is not a closed statement—it is part of an ongoing commitment to:
- Listen to and amplify Autistic voices
- Evolve alongside emerging research and lived experience
- Build tools, resources, and spaces that reflect inclusion and access for minds of all kinds
We will continue expanding our resource library to help families and communities move toward more affirming, inclusive approaches.
Closing Thoughts
At Sensory Safe, we believe safety is not created through compliance.It is created through understanding, trust, and respect.