This comparison draws in part from “Workshop: Creating Your Own Personal Leadership Cloud (1 ETH, 1 SUPERVISION CEs)” by Adrienne Bradley, M.ED., BCBA, LBA (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 creating your own personal leadership cloud (1 eth, 1 supervision ces), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure and Accountability | Self-Directed: Flexible structure that adapts to individual needs but requires strong self-discipline to maintain consistency | Formal Programs: Structured curriculum with deadlines, assignments, and external accountability mechanisms |
| Customization | Self-Directed: Highly customizable to individual development needs, career goals, and learning preferences | Formal Programs: Standard curriculum designed for a broad audience that may not address specific individual needs |
| Cost | Self-Directed: Variable, can be very low cost using free resources such as books, podcasts, and peer communities | Formal Programs: Often significant financial investment for courses, certifications, or degree programs |
| Networking | Self-Directed: Networking depends on individual initiative to build mentoring relationships and join professional communities | Formal Programs: Built-in cohort provides networking opportunities and peer learning relationships |
| Depth of Learning | Self-Directed: Depends on the quality of resources selected and the individual's ability to apply learning independently | Formal Programs: Structured learning experiences with expert instruction and guided application |
| Relevance to Behavior Analysis | Self-Directed: Can be tailored to include resources specifically relevant to behavior analytic practice and leadership | Formal Programs: May address general leadership principles without specific application to behavior analysis contexts |
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 creating your own personal leadership cloud (1 eth, 1 supervision ces) 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.
Workshop: Creating Your Own Personal Leadership Cloud (1 ETH, 1 SUPERVISION CEs) — Adrienne Bradley · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $50
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.
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
195 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $50 · 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.