To whom it may concern:

We, the undersigned, represent Autistics, Autistic Allies, and professionals within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (including BCBA-Ds, BCBAs, RBTs, and students of ABA). We are writing to express our strong disapprobation with the use of interventions to reduce or eliminate non-harmful behavior known as stereotypy or "stimming" and hereby petition the BACB to enact a ban on all programs and interventions used to block stimming behaviors that are not a threat to the safety of the client or others.

Stimming (or self-stimulation) is defined as behavior consisting of repetitive actions or movements that may be displayed by people with developmental disorders. It is a harmless self-regulation tool to calm one's body and mind when over-stimulated. While stimming is common amongst neurodiverse and autistic populations, neurotypical people stim as well (familiar examples would include tapping fingers or twirling hair). Common stims from people diagnosed with autism include, but are not limited to, hand flapping, rocking, pacing, and use of vocal stereotypy. While not harmful to the individual, these self-regulatory actions are often targeted as undesirable "behaviors" in individuals with autism because they are deemed to be less socially acceptable, and clients of ABA are often forced to stop stimming.

The act of stimming in itself is not harmful, dangerous, or otherwise negatively impacting the individual who is engaging. It is a powerful tool that is immensely helpful for those who are overstimulated or under-stimulated manage emotions and self-regulate accordingly. If stimming is not hurting the client or those around them, it should not be targeted as an undesirable behavior. While a commonly cited argument purports that stimming is a distraction to the individual or to persons around them, multiple studies have found that stimming helps autistic individuals focus more on the task at hand. It is not ethical to force someone to suppress an innocuous repetative movement solely to appease those in close proximity.

The act of blocking a stim, however, is harmful. Autistic adults who have undergone ABA therapy describe the process of eliminating a stim to be traumatic and a cause of excessive and unnecessary discomfort. The act of suppressing a stim requires significant energy and leaves the client disregulated and vulnerable. Preventing non-harmful stimming is not necessary, logical, or ethical. Any attempt to eliminate stimming should not be condoned by the BACB.

We urge the BACB to update their code of ethics by enacting a ban on all interventions and therapeutic attempts to eliminate non-harmful stimming behavior.