Least Restrictive Alternative
Also called: least restrictive procedure, least intrusive intervention, hierarchy of restrictiveness
Definition
The principle that the intervention chosen should be the least intrusive one that is likely to be effective, with more restrictive procedures — punishment, restrictive consequences, anything involving physical contact — considered only after reinforcement-based options have been tried or ruled out, and used only with additional safeguards and oversight. It is written into the ethics code and into most state regulations.
In plain language
Always try the gentlest thing that is likely to work first. Stronger, more restrictive procedures come last and need extra approval and oversight.
Example
Before considering any punishment procedure, a team tries antecedent changes, functional communication training and differential reinforcement.
Not least restrictive alternative
Starting with a restrictive procedure because it seems faster. That skips the hierarchy the principle requires.
See also
Written from
- bacb-ethics-code-2022 — Standards on selecting and evaluating interventions
- abai-restraint-position-2010
Written from the ethics code's intervention standards and the ABAI position statement, in our own words. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.