Toward Socially Meaningful Case Conceptualization: The Risk-Driven Approach

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code states that “behavior analysts should put compliance with the law and clients’ interests first by actively working to maximize desired outcomes and minimize risk” (emphasis added; BACB, 2020, p. 5). In turn, board certified practitioners must approach the case conceptualization process in applied behavior analysis (ABA) with respect to minimizing risks to an improved quality of life (QoL). As such, ABA services must be based on an understanding of risk—risk to ensuring desired outcomes. The purpose of the current article is two-fold (1) revisit social validity and propose features of socially meaningful case conceptualization, and (2) introduce a corresponding structured risk-driven approach to ABA service delivery. A primary aim is to equip all stakeholders with readily accessible practice-related supports—ensuring clients’ rights to effective services towards an improved QoL.