This comparison draws in part from “Establishing a framework increasing diversity and inclusion in ABA” by Dr. Jescah Apamo-Gannon, Ph.D., LABA., BCBA-D (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 →Efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in behavior analysis can be conceptualized along a continuum from individual-level approaches to organizational-level approaches. Individual-level approaches focus on building cultural competence, awareness, and inclusive behaviors among individual practitioners. Organizational-level approaches focus on changing structures, policies, and systems that create or perpetuate barriers to inclusion. Both levels are necessary, but they produce different types of change at different scales and timelines. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each helps practitioners and leaders design comprehensive strategies that address diversity and inclusion at all levels.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Target | Individual: Practitioner knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding diversity | Organizational: Structures, policies, and systems that influence representation and inclusion |
| Change Mechanism | Individual: Training, self-reflection, mentorship, and personal commitment | Organizational: Policy revision, resource allocation, governance changes, and accountability systems |
| Timeline | Individual: Can begin immediately but change is gradual and varies by person | Organizational: Requires planning and resources but can create rapid structural change |
| Sustainability | Individual: Dependent on individual motivation; may not persist without environmental support | Organizational: Embedded in structures; persists beyond individual champions |
| Scope of Impact | Individual: Direct impact on the practitioner's own practice and immediate relationships | Organizational: Systemic impact on all members of the organization and broader professional community |
| Risk of Inadequacy | Individual: May create false sense of progress without changing systemic barriers | Organizational: May create policies without changing hearts and minds of individual members |
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 establishing a framework increasing diversity and inclusion in aba 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.
Establishing a framework increasing diversity and inclusion in ABA — Dr. Jescah Apamo-Gannon · 1 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.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 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.