This comparison draws in part from “A Fireside Chat: Advancing AJEDI within ABA Organizations” by Paula Danquah-Brobby, PhD (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →ABA organizations vary considerably in the depth and authenticity of their AJEDI efforts. At one end of the spectrum, performative approaches treat AJEDI as a communications strategy, focusing on visible but superficial signals of commitment without fundamentally changing organizational practices. At the other end, systemic integration embeds AJEDI values into every aspect of organizational functioning, from hiring and promotion to clinical practice and community engagement. Understanding the distinction between these approaches helps organizations honestly assess where they currently fall and chart a course toward more meaningful progress.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership engagement | Performative: Leadership endorses AJEDI in public statements but does not actively participate or allocate resources | Systemic: Leadership models AJEDI values, allocates budget, and is held accountable for measurable outcomes |
| Measurement approach | Performative: Tracks only surface-level demographics if any data at all | Systemic: Tracks disaggregated retention, climate data, client outcomes, and access metrics |
| Training strategy | Performative: One-time diversity training sessions with no follow-up | Systemic: Ongoing professional development integrated into supervision and clinical practice |
| Hiring practices | Performative: Diverse hiring is aspirational but not reflected in actual candidate pipelines or selection criteria | Systemic: Recruitment strategies are designed and evaluated for their effectiveness in building diverse teams |
| Clinical impact | Performative: Clinical practices remain unchanged regardless of client population demographics | Systemic: Assessment, treatment planning, and service delivery are adapted for cultural responsiveness |
| Staff experience | Performative: Underrepresented staff report feeling tokenized or unsupported | Systemic: Staff from all backgrounds report genuine belonging and equitable treatment |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching a fireside chat: advancing ajedi within aba organizations in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
A Fireside Chat: Advancing AJEDI within ABA Organizations — Paula Danquah-Brobby · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
You earn CEUs from a dozen different places. Upload any certificate — from here, your employer, conferences, wherever — and always know exactly where you stand. Learning, Ethics, Supervision, all handled.
No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.