This comparison draws in part from “Being a Grief-Informed BCBA: Dying Death and Grief are Everyone's Business” by Patricia Lund, BCBA, Certified Sexuality Educator, Certified Trauma Professional (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 →When a client exhibits new or intensified challenging behavior following a significant loss, the behavior analyst's conceptual framework determines how they assess and respond. A standard behavioral approach applies the same functional assessment and intervention logic regardless of context. A grief-informed approach integrates knowledge about grief and loss into the assessment and treatment process. Both approaches are grounded in behavior analysis, but they differ in the variables they consider, the interventions they prioritize, and the outcomes they target. Understanding these differences helps practitioners make informed decisions about how to respond when grief may be a factor.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Focus | Standard: Identifies maintaining consequences through functional analysis of the behavior itself | Grief-Informed: Includes loss history and grief context alongside functional assessment of behavior |
| Interpretation of Behavior | Standard: Behavior is understood primarily through its functional relationship with environmental contingencies | Grief-Informed: Behavior is understood within the broader context of loss, including grief as a motivating operation |
| Primary Intervention Goal | Standard: Reduce challenging behavior and increase appropriate alternative behavior | Grief-Informed: Support the individual through grief while ensuring safety, then gradually resume standard goals |
| Intervention Approach | Standard: Function-based intervention targeting identified maintaining contingencies | Grief-Informed: Supportive interventions first (routine maintenance, comfort, emotional expression), function-based as needed |
| Timeline Expectations | Standard: Progress expected within standard treatment timeframes | Grief-Informed: Flexible timelines acknowledging that grief has no predictable course |
| Caregiver Role | Standard: Caregivers as treatment implementers with standard training | Grief-Informed: Caregivers as grieving individuals who may also need support and adjusted expectations |
| Interdisciplinary Collaboration | Standard: Collaboration as clinically indicated for behavioral concerns | Grief-Informed: Proactive coordination with grief counselors and mental health professionals |
| Scope Awareness | Standard: Focused on behavioral intervention within ABA scope | Grief-Informed: Recognizes when grief needs exceed ABA scope and makes timely referrals |
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 being a grief-informed bcba: dying death and grief are everyone's business 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.
Being a Grief-Informed BCBA: Dying Death and Grief are Everyone's Business — Patricia Lund · 2 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.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
2 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
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Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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.