This comparison draws in part from “Elevating Black Learners: Antiracism in Clinical Practice” by Nyetta Abernathy, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA (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 elevating black learners: antiracism in clinical practice, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Philosophy | Culturally Neutral: Uses standardized tools as-is, assuming they produce valid results across populations | Antiracist: Evaluates cultural validity of assessment tools and supplements with culturally informed methods when standardized tools may produce biased results |
| Goal Selection | Culturally Neutral: Goals derived primarily from assessment data and clinical judgment, with family input | Antiracist: Goals co-created with families, with explicit examination of whether proposed goals reflect culturally biased assumptions |
| Practitioner Self-Awareness | Culturally Neutral: Assumes that professional training and objectivity are sufficient to prevent bias | Antiracist: Actively monitors for implicit bias, seeks feedback, and engages in ongoing self-reflection about how race affects practice |
| Outcome Monitoring | Culturally Neutral: Monitors outcomes at the aggregate level without examining patterns by race | Antiracist: Disaggregates outcomes by race and investigates disparities when identified |
| Organizational Focus | Culturally Neutral: Focuses on technical quality of services without examining systemic equity | Antiracist: Examines organizational policies, hiring practices, and service design for patterns that may perpetuate disparities |
| Response to Disparities | Culturally Neutral: May attribute disparities to factors outside the organization's control | Antiracist: Takes responsibility for identifying and addressing factors within the organization's control that contribute to disparities |
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 elevating black learners: antiracism in clinical practice 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.
Elevating Black Learners: Antiracism in Clinical Practice — Nyetta Abernathy · 2 BACB Ethics CEUs · $30
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.
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
183 research articles with practitioner takeaways
183 research articles with practitioner takeaways
2 BACB Ethics CEUs · $30 · 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.