A new treatment protocol is primarily needed when which of the following changes occur?

A new treatment protocol is primarily needed when the target behavior changes because the focus of therapy is determined by the specific skills or behaviors that are being addressed. Each target behavior may require different approaches, techniques, and strategies to ensure effective intervention. When a patient's needs evolve, or when the emphasis shifts to a different aspect of communication, re-evaluating and possibly adjusting the treatment protocol is essential to provide the most appropriate and effective care.

While the other factors listed can influence treatment delivery and may necessitate some adaptations in therapy, such as adjusting to a new age demographic or a different therapy setting, these changes do not inherently require a complete revision of the treatment protocol. The SLP's preferences, while they may play a role in how therapy is conducted, should be secondary to the needs of the patient and the specific behaviors being targeted. Thus, focusing on the target behavior ensures that the intervention remains relevant and tailored to the patient's current needs.