This comparison draws in part from “Expert Panel: A Seat at the Table” by Linda LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, Lic Psy (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 expert panel: a seat at the table, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Formal: Typically requires election, appointment, or organizational nomination; often tied to seniority or credential level | Informal: Accessible at any career stage; requires demonstrated expertise, relationship-building, and consistent contribution |
| Scope of influence | Formal: Defined by role scope; may include policy, standards, or organizational direction at scale | Informal: Emergent and relational; influence builds through trust and reputation over time |
| Time commitment | Formal: Structured and often substantial; committee work, meetings, and deliverables have defined timelines | Informal: Flexible; can be integrated into existing professional activities without set schedule |
| Visibility and recognition | Formal: Higher institutional visibility; professional network expansion through organizational connection | Informal: Recognition earned through peer relationships and reputation rather than title |
| Risk of overextension | Formal: Higher; defined responsibilities create structured demand that must be managed against clinical workload | Informal: Lower; effort is self-determined and can be adjusted based on capacity |
| Impact on clinical practice | Formal: Indirectly shapes practice through standards, policy, and organizational decisions | Informal: Directly shapes practice through mentorship, peer consultation, and grassroots advocacy |
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 expert panel: a seat at the table 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.
Expert Panel: A Seat at the Table — Linda LeBlanc · 1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $10
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
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
223 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $10 · 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.