By Matt Harrington, BCBA · Behaviorist Book Club · Clinical decision guide

Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches to Interdisciplinary Conflict

In This Guide

Side-by-Side Comparison
Clinical Decision Framework
Key Takeaways

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 understanding contingencies in interdisciplinary 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.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Evidence-Based Approach	Traditional Approach
Timing	Proactive: Prepares for potential conflicts before they arise	Reactive: Addresses conflicts after they have already emerged
Knowledge Base	Proactive: Invests in learning about collaborating disciplines before meetings	Reactive: Learns about other perspectives during or after disagreements
Emotional Climate	Proactive: Discussions occur in a calm, structured context before tensions build	Reactive: Discussions may occur when emotions are already heightened
Communication Systems	Proactive: Establishes regular communication channels and shared documentation before problems arise	Reactive: Creates communication systems in response to breakdowns
Relationship Quality	Proactive: Builds trust through early demonstrations of respect and openness	Reactive: Relationship may be strained by initial conflict before trust is established
Client Impact	Proactive: Minimizes service disruption by preventing or rapidly resolving conflicts	Reactive: Conflicts may cause delays in coordinated care while being resolved

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Clinical Decision Framework

Use this framework when approaching understanding contingencies in interdisciplinary collaboration in your practice:

Step 1: Is intervention warranted?

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

Step 2: Have you conducted an individualized assessment?

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

Step 3: Is the individual/caregiver involved in decision-making?

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

Step 4: Verify your approach

✓ Is your intervention matched to the assessed function?
✓ Are you using the least restrictive effective approach?
✓ Is assent being monitored throughout?
✓ Do you have a data collection plan?
✓ Is there a plan for generalization and maintenance?

Key Takeaways

Individualization is non-negotiable. The best approach for one individual may not be appropriate for another, even with the same topography.
Assessment drives intervention. Function-based approaches consistently outperform topography-based ones in the literature.
Ethics are active, not passive. Ethical practice requires ongoing analysis, not just initial compliance.
Document everything. Both the decision to intervene and the decision not to intervene require documentation and justification.
Stay current. The evidence base in this area is evolving. What was standard practice five years ago may not reflect current best practices.

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Clinical Disclaimer

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.