This comparison draws in part from “Ethics, Regulation, and Clinical Competency with Dr. Rosemary Condillac (Ep. 2)” by Jaime Santana, M.ADS, BCBA, R.B.A.(Ont.) (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 ethics, regulation, and clinical competency with dr. rosemary condillac (ep. 2), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stance Toward Autistic Perspectives | Dismissive: Treats autistic critiques as uninformed or motivated by misunderstanding of modern ABA, minimizing the value of lived experience | Engaged: Treats autistic perspectives as essential information for improving practice, recognizing lived experience as a valid and important source of knowledge |
| Response to Reports of Harm | Dismissive: Attributes reports of harm to outdated practices that no longer represent the field, without examining whether current practices might also cause harm | Engaged: Investigates whether current practices might produce similar harms, even if unintentionally, and modifies practice where warranted |
| Impact on Practice | Dismissive: Practice remains unchanged regardless of feedback from the people served, relying on the assumption that the professional knows best | Engaged: Practice evolves in response to genuine feedback, becoming more client-centered and respectful of individual autonomy over time |
| Professional Reputation | Dismissive: Reinforces perceptions of ABA as rigid, defensive, and unresponsive to the communities it claims to serve | Engaged: Demonstrates that ABA is a self-correcting field that values the perspectives of the people it serves and is committed to continuous improvement |
| Client Relationship | Dismissive: Clients may feel unheard, invalidated, or coerced when their concerns about treatment are minimized | Engaged: Clients feel respected and empowered when their perspectives are genuinely valued and incorporated into treatment decisions |
| Ethical Alignment | Dismissive: May conflict with Code 1.07 (Cultural Responsiveness) and Code 2.09 (Involving Clients and Stakeholders) when diverse perspectives are systematically disregarded | Engaged: Directly supports multiple ethical standards by centering client perspectives, demonstrating cultural humility, and maintaining openness to feedback |
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 ethics, regulation, and clinical competency with dr. rosemary condillac (ep. 2) 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.
Ethics, Regulation, and Clinical Competency with Dr. Rosemary Condillac (Ep. 2) — Jaime Santana · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $15
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.
244 research articles with practitioner takeaways
225 research articles with practitioner takeaways
195 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $15 · 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.