How do we know if therapy (ABA, speech, occupational) is giving us gains or it’s the protocol?

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine if traditional therapies (ABA, occupational, speech, physical) provide the observed gains or if the gains are from the protocol alone. I do not believe therapies are necessary for recovery when using my protocol. I have observed many children regain speech, begin to socialize, improve motor function and attain emotional regulation without supportive therapy. And surprisingly, I have seen many cases in which traditional ABA therapy was slowing and a few instances preventing any recovery whatsoever!