This comparison draws in part from “Stronger Together: Elevating Outcomes through Interprofessional Collaboration” by Lisa Gurdin, MS, BCBA, LABA (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 stronger together: elevating outcomes through interprofessional collaboration, 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 comprehensiveness | Disciplinary Centrism: Thorough behavioral assessment (functional analysis, preference assessment, skill assessment) but may miss non-behavioral factors contributing to the clinical picture | Interprofessional Practice: Behavioral assessment integrated with sensory, communicative, medical, educational, and psychosocial assessment for a more complete understanding |
| Treatment planning | Disciplinary Centrism: Intervention designed from behavioral principles alone; may be technically sound but clinically incomplete | Interprofessional Practice: Co-designed intervention that addresses behavioral, sensory, communicative, and contextual factors simultaneously |
| Communication with team members | Disciplinary Centrism: Heavy use of behavioral jargon; reports and recommendations may be inaccessible to other professionals and families | Interprofessional Practice: Concepts translated into shared language; technical precision maintained in documentation but communication adapted to audience |
| Response to conflicting recommendations | Disciplinary Centrism: Other disciplines' recommendations evaluated against behavioral standards; dismissed if they do not meet behavioral evidentiary criteria | Interprofessional Practice: Conflicting recommendations explored as clinical information; differences investigated as potential indicators of complexity rather than incompetence |
| Client and family experience | Disciplinary Centrism: Family may receive conflicting guidance from uncoordinated providers and bear the burden of integration | Interprofessional Practice: Family receives consistent, coordinated guidance and experiences professionals working as a unified team |
| Professional development | Disciplinary Centrism: Deepening expertise within behavior analysis; limited exposure to other perspectives | Interprofessional Practice: Expanding expertise across disciplines; developing communication and collaboration skills alongside clinical skills |
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 stronger together: elevating outcomes through interprofessional collaboration 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.
Stronger Together: Elevating Outcomes through Interprofessional Collaboration — Lisa Gurdin · 1.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $0
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
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $0 · 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.