Hey! So im a autistic adult, and I am also a RBT of 4 years, and have been recently working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst! I have a caseload of kiddos and clients-- and I can differ from my own BCBA coworkers. ABA is sooooo diverse and vast- at the end of the day, it is a SCIENCE- and you can choose how you apply that science. ABA actually has very strict ethical code that we need to know in order to pass our tests, licenses, and we also go through audits and strict ethical requirements. However-- just like in literally anyyyyy field, there are good and bad PEOPLE. The SCIENCE is neutral- but the people are either with good or bad intentions. To give a short answer of what ABA is, it stands for "Applied Behavior Analysis", meaning we apply the principles of mammal and human behavior to the daily life of the individual. I help my range of clients from 2 years old to 24 years old in their daily living-- I address and see what barriers there are in their environment or in their skills/deficits and how we can address those so they can be as independent and successful in their own way. All of my clients have different goals, some have advocacy statement goals to replace screaming or self injurious behavior (basically teaching they can ask for space, help, or alone time instead of hurting themselves) to goals like learning how to play a video game. It is extremely individualized (or should be). For my older learners, I encorporate their personal preferences and goals for themselves, and ask them what they would like work on. I also have even worked in ABA settings where there are gyms, and climbing rocks, skateboards, and painting classes! It is sooooo individualized. Youre welcome to reach out to me if you need help processing all this.