This comparison draws in part from “The Oppression of Normal: Supporting Prosocial Neurodivergent Relationships” by Jude Afolake Olubodun (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 the oppression of normal: supporting prosocial neurodivergent relationships, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of Treatment Success | Normative Compliance: Success is measured by the degree to which the client's behavior resembles neurotypical peers | Neurodiversity-Affirming: Success is measured by improved quality of life, autonomy, and authentic social participation |
| Goal Selection | Normative Compliance: Goals target behaviors that deviate from neurotypical norms, including harmless behaviors like stimming | Neurodiversity-Affirming: Goals target behaviors that genuinely limit the client's safety, communication, or access to desired activities |
| Approach to Self-Stimulatory Behavior | Normative Compliance: Targets stimming for reduction as a socially unacceptable behavior | Neurodiversity-Affirming: Respects stimming as a regulatory behavior; only addresses if it causes harm to the individual |
| Social Skills Intervention | Normative Compliance: Teaches neurotypical social scripts and interaction patterns; emphasizes conformity | Neurodiversity-Affirming: Teaches social understanding and self-advocacy; modifies the environment alongside individual skill-building |
| Long-Term Mental Health Impact | Normative Compliance: Risk of promoting masking, which is associated with anxiety, depression, and burnout | Neurodiversity-Affirming: Supports authentic self-expression, which is associated with better mental health outcomes |
| Client Voice in Treatment | Normative Compliance: Goals primarily set by clinicians and caregivers based on normative standards | Neurodiversity-Affirming: Client perspectives actively sought and incorporated, informed by neurodivergent community input |
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 the oppression of normal: supporting prosocial neurodivergent relationships 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.
The Oppression of Normal: Supporting Prosocial Neurodivergent Relationships — Jude Afolake Olubodun · 1 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.
231 research articles with practitioner takeaways
54 research articles with practitioner takeaways
51 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
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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.