What does it actually take to discharge a client?

Discharge decisions in ABA are high-stakes, but the criteria driving them often go unexamined. This PEBBL Research Spotlight takes a data-first look at the goal-level factors associated with educational placement outcomes, so clinicians can make more informed, defensible decisions at transition.

Component Analysis of Discharge Criteria: Identifying Critical Goals Associated with Educational Placement Outcomes
Thursday, November 19, 2026 4:00–4:30 pm EST 0.5 Learning CEU Cost: Free
Presenter: Lauren Kryzak D'Amato, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, LABA | Vice President, PEBBL

What This Session Covers

When families and teams prepare for discharge or educational transition, the question of “are they ready?” depends on which goals were mastered and which ones matter most. This session presents a component analysis of discharge criteria drawn from client records at Bierman Autism Centers, comparing goal-level data for learners who transitioned to general education versus special education placements. By examining the individual skills most predictive of placement outcomes, this research offers a framework for identifying which goals may serve as true readiness benchmarks and how clinicians might refine discharge criteria to better reflect real-world outcomes.

What You’ll Learn

• Describe a process for identifying measurable discharge goals across client records
• Explain a component analysis approach for determining which goals are most critical to educational placement outcomes
• Discuss considerations for varying benchmark criteria based on individual learner profiles and transition targets

Meet PEBBL

PEBBL is our practice-embedded research engine. We study what works in real sessions, then fold the wins back into care. Track new studies, grab free CEUs at our Research Spotlights, and let us know if you want in. Details → PEBBL page • Career Interest form → Fill out.

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