This comparison draws in part from “We, The People” by Portia James, M.A., BCBA (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 we, the people, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Responding Personnel | Law Enforcement: Armed police officers with varying levels of mental health and disability training | Community-Based: Mental health professionals, crisis counselors, and peer support specialists |
| Primary Training Focus | Law Enforcement: Public safety, threat assessment, and law enforcement procedures | Community-Based: De-escalation, mental health assessment, trauma-informed care, and disability awareness |
| Approach to Autism-Specific Behaviors | Law Enforcement: May misinterpret autistic behaviors such as lack of eye contact or stimming as noncompliance or aggression | Community-Based: Trained to recognize and appropriately respond to disability-specific communication and behavior patterns |
| Risk of Escalation | Law Enforcement: Higher risk due to command-based interaction style and presence of weapons | Community-Based: Lower risk due to therapeutic interaction approach and absence of weapons |
| Follow-Up Services | Law Enforcement: Typically limited to arrest or transport to emergency department | Community-Based: Can provide on-scene stabilization, referrals, follow-up visits, and connection to ongoing services |
| Racial Disparities | Law Enforcement: Documented disparities in use of force against people of color | Community-Based: Designed to provide equitable, non-coercive response regardless of race |
| Family Experience | Law Enforcement: Families may fear calling for help due to risk of harmful outcome | Community-Based: Families more likely to seek help early when response is perceived as safe and supportive |
| Availability | Law Enforcement: Available 24/7 in virtually all communities | Community-Based: Limited availability in many areas, often restricted hours, requires dedicated funding |
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 we, the people 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.
We, The People — Portia James · 2 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
256 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
2 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.