25 Years of Litigation Trends: Applied Behavior Analysis Lawsuits Involving Students With Autism

• In Event: 52.068 - Litigation Trends in K–12 Education Relating to Students With Special Needs and School Privatization

Abstract

One of every 42 boys has autism. To inform policy and practice surrounding the ever-increasing number of students with autism, the current study analyzed 25 years of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) lawsuits involving students with autism. Past research yielded inconclusive results. In response, this study was designed to remedy past methodological issues and update past contradictory findings by analyzing every published, substantive ABA case from 1990 through 2015. The mixed-methods review found that ABA litigation has not increased dramatically in recent years—despite past research findings that it had. Yet, similar to past findings, school districts have prevailed more than parents/child(ren). The study concludes by forecasting the future trajectory of ABA litigation and offering recommendations for policy and practice.

Author

• Janet R. Decker, Indiana University - Bloomington