This comparison draws in part from “Communication Tools to Increase Collaboration with Caregivers” by Leanne Page, BCBA (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 →Behavior analysts interact with caregivers using communication styles that fall on a continuum from directive to coaching-based. Directive communication positions the behavior analyst as the expert who provides information, instructions, and feedback. Coaching-based communication positions the behavior analyst as a facilitator who asks questions, explores caregiver perspectives, and builds collaborative solutions. Leanne Page's presentation draws on The Coaching Habit and Crucial Conversations to argue for integrating coaching-based tools into caregiver collaboration. Understanding the strengths and appropriate applications of each approach helps practitioners communicate more effectively.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Practitioner role | Expert who provides information, instructions, and corrective feedback | Facilitator who asks questions, explores perspectives, and co-develops solutions |
| Caregiver role | Recipient of expertise who implements recommended strategies | Active partner who identifies challenges, generates solutions, and builds competence |
| Typical interaction pattern | Behavior analyst speaks more; caregiver listens and asks clarifying questions | Caregiver speaks more; behavior analyst asks strategic questions and listens |
| Best used when | Teaching specific procedures, providing critical safety information, delivering data | Exploring caregiver concerns, building problem-solving skills, fostering ownership |
| Effect on caregiver engagement | May produce compliance without genuine buy-in if overused | Builds caregiver confidence, ownership, and intrinsic motivation |
| Handling difficult topics | Delivers difficult message directly; may feel confrontational | Creates safety through questions and mutual purpose; explores difficult topics collaboratively |
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 communication tools to increase collaboration with caregivers 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.
Communication Tools to Increase Collaboration with Caregivers — Leanne Page · 1 BACB General CEUs · $25
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 General CEUs · $25 · 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.