This comparison draws in part from “Trauma Series Part 2: Development of Trauma-informed Behavioral Interventions” by Gabrielle Morgan, 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 →When serving individuals with histories of adverse experiences, behavior analysts face a choice between applying standard behavioral intervention approaches that focus exclusively on current environmental contingencies, or adopting trauma-informed modifications that account for the effects of adverse experiences on behavior and intervention response. Both approaches are grounded in behavioral principles and aim to produce positive outcomes, but they differ in how they conceptualize the influences on behavior, how they assess risk, and how they design intervention procedures. Understanding these differences is essential for behavior analysts who work with trauma-affected populations.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual Framework | Focuses exclusively on current environmental contingencies maintaining behavior | Considers current contingencies plus the influence of adverse experiences on behavioral sensitivity and function |
| Functional Assessment | Standard four-function model with no systematic consideration of trauma variables | Expanded assessment incorporating trauma-related hypotheses including trauma-triggered escape and hypervigilance |
| Risk Assessment | Standard risk assessment based on procedure restrictiveness | Enhanced risk assessment accounting for individual's trauma history and sensitivity to specific procedural elements |
| Intervention Selection | Selection based on identified function and evidence base without trauma-specific modifications | Selection incorporates trauma-sensitivity screening to avoid procedures that may trigger retraumatization |
| Team Collaboration | Collaboration with other professionals as needed but not systematically built into service model | Structured collaboration with trauma specialists integrated into assessment, planning, and progress monitoring |
| Caregiver Engagement | Standard behavioral parent training focused on implementing behavioral procedures | Trauma-sensitive engagement that accounts for caregiver stress and potential secondary traumatic stress |
| Progress Monitoring | Standard behavioral data on target behaviors and skill acquisition | Behavioral data plus monitoring of trauma-related distress indicators and therapeutic relationship quality |
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 trauma series part 2: development of trauma-informed behavioral interventions 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.
Trauma Series Part 2: Development of Trauma-informed Behavioral Interventions — Gabrielle Morgan · 1.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
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
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
225 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · 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.