Episode 17: The Commodification of ABA: How to Maintain Integrity in a For-Profit Industry

What happens when ABA stops being about people—and starts being about profit?

In this episode, we unpack the growing commodification of ABA: how systemic pressures from for-profit models are reshaping services, undermining care, and pushing practitioners into ethical gray zones. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck between doing what’s right and meeting billable hour quotas—you’re not alone.

You’ll hear insights from the literature, real-world reflections, and practical strategies for preserving your values while navigating a system that doesn’t always reward them.

What you’ll learn:

✔️ What the commodification of ABA really means
✔️ How profit-driven systems affect staff, clients, and outcomes
✔️ Ethical red flags and how to respond
✔️ Ways to protect integrity and advocate for sustainable, values-based care

You don’t have to choose between ethics and survival. Let’s explore what it means to lead with purpose in a system that often prioritizes profit.