What is one consequence of poor clinical judgment in ABA practice?

Ineffective behavior modification is a significant consequence of poor clinical judgment in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice. In ABA, practitioners rely on careful assessment and research-based interventions to shape and change behaviors. When clinical judgment is compromised, it can lead to the selection of interventions that are inappropriate or misaligned with the learner's needs, resulting in minimal or no progress in behavior change.

For example, if a practitioner misinterprets behavior data or fails to consider the individual context of the learner, the chosen strategies may not be effective. This lack of effectiveness not only impedes the learner's progress but can also demotivate the learner and possibly exacerbate maladaptive behaviors. Therefore, poor clinical judgment directly undermines the fundamental goals of ABA practice, which are to promote positive behavior change and improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.