This comparison draws in part from “Learning to Use Essential for Living” by Patrick McGreevy, Ph.D, BCBA-D Author of the Essential for Living Curriculum (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 →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For learning to use essential for living, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Design Population | EFL: Individuals with limited repertoires and moderate-to-severe problem behavior across all ages | Developmental Tools: Primarily early learners with ASD or developmental delays in the process of acquiring foundational skills |
| Goal Orientation | EFL: Functional skills organized by quality-of-life impact, centered on the Essential Eight Skills | Developmental Tools: Skills organized by developmental domains and verbal behavior operants |
| Measurement Sensitivity | EFL: Task analysis components that capture incremental gains meaningful for slow learners | Developmental Tools: Milestone-based scoring that may not reflect small gains in individuals with severe disabilities |
| Communication Priority | EFL: Lifetime communication method as the top priority, evaluated against durability and generalizability criteria | Developmental Tools: Language development across verbal operants with comprehensive assessment of communication repertoire |
| Instructional Context | EFL: Natural context instruction embedded throughout the individual's day | Developmental Tools: Compatible with both structured and naturalistic instruction formats |
| Behavior-Skill Integration | EFL: Skill building explicitly integrated as the primary behavior support strategy | Developmental Tools: Skill acquisition and behavior support typically planned as separate program components |
| Age Appropriateness | EFL: Goals and contexts appropriate for adolescents and adults with severe disabilities | Developmental Tools: Goals and contexts designed for young children that may require significant adaptation for older individuals |
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 learning to use essential for living 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.
Learning to Use Essential for Living — Patrick McGreevy · 4 BACB Ethics CEUs · $98
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.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
4 BACB Ethics CEUs · $98 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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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.