This comparison draws in part from “There is No Right Way to Say Goodbye” by Candice Colón, PhD, BCBA-D, 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 there is no right way to say goodbye, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Trigger for Reduction | Time-based: sessions decrease on a predetermined schedule regardless of data trends | Data-based: sessions decrease only when specific performance criteria are met at each level |
| Flexibility | Less flexible; schedule may not align with client's actual readiness at each step | Highly flexible; pace of reduction adjusts based on client performance data |
| Data Requirements | Requires standard progress monitoring but does not demand criterion-level precision | Requires detailed criterion-referenced data at each step to justify advancing |
| Family Predictability | Families can anticipate the timeline clearly, aiding in planning and emotional preparation | Timeline is variable and may be harder for families to predict and plan around |
| Risk of Premature Reduction | Higher risk if the schedule advances faster than the client's actual readiness | Lower risk since each reduction is contingent on demonstrated maintenance |
| Administrative Simplicity | Easier to communicate to funding sources and schedule across multiple clients | More complex to manage administratively but provides stronger clinical justification |
| Alignment with Ethics Code | Meets Code 2.15 requirements if monitoring is adequate to detect regression | Strongly aligns with Code 2.01 and Code 2.15 through data-driven decision-making |
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 there is no right way to say goodbye 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.
There is No Right Way to Say Goodbye — Candice Colón · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $25
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 BACB Ethics CEUs · $25 · 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.