This comparison draws in part from “Crafting and Assessing ABA Therapy Goals: Embracing Social Relevance and Neuroaffirmation” by Courtney Chase, MS, 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 →When developing ABA therapy goals, practitioners face a fundamental choice about their orientation toward the client's behavior and identity. Deficit-focused goals have traditionally dominated the field, targeting the reduction of behaviors that differ from neurotypical norms and building skills to close perceived developmental gaps. Neuroaffirming goals represent a paradigm shift, emphasizing skill building that enhances quality of life while respecting neurological differences. Both approaches aim to produce meaningful outcomes, but they differ substantially in their underlying assumptions, assessment processes, intervention targets, and definitions of success. Understanding these differences is essential for BCBAs seeking to align their practice with current ethical standards and the evolving expectations of the communities they serve.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Selection Basis | Standardized developmental norms and assessment deficits drive goal selection | Client priorities, quality of life, and functional significance drive goal selection |
| View of Atypical Behaviors | Behaviors deviating from norms are viewed as targets for reduction | Atypical behaviors are evaluated for function before deciding whether to address them |
| Client Involvement | Goals are primarily determined by clinician assessment and caregiver input | Client voice is centered in goal selection to the greatest extent possible |
| Success Measurement | Success measured by achieving numerical targets on behavior data | Success measured by quality of life improvements and social validity ratings |
| Approach to Stimming | Stimming is typically targeted for reduction as stereotypic behavior | Stimming is respected as self-regulation unless it causes harm or limits access |
| Cultural Responsiveness | Cultural factors may be acknowledged but do not systematically inform goals | Neurological and cultural diversity are integral to the assessment and planning process |
| Stakeholder Conflicts | Funder and caregiver preferences tend to take priority in goal selection | Client welfare takes priority, with education and advocacy when stakeholder preferences conflict |
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 crafting and assessing aba therapy goals: embracing social relevance and neuroaffirmation 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.
Crafting and Assessing ABA Therapy Goals: Embracing Social Relevance and Neuroaffirmation — Courtney Chase · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $8
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
232 research articles with practitioner takeaways
225 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $8 · BehaviorLive
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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.