Introduction to Behavioral Terminology for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Hey there, RBTs and future RBTs! Welcome to your first English lesson, tailored specifically for those of you who are training to become Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), or who already are RBTs. If you’re reading this, you’re likely ready to level up your English skills so you can thrive in the field of behavior analysis. Whether you’re preparing to work with children, adults, or any clients who need behavioral support, this course is here to help you build the language foundation you need.

In today’s lesson, we’re going to focus on one of the most important things you need as an RBT: Behavioral Terminology. Don’t worry—I’ll break it down step by step. I’m here to make these terms crystal clear, show you the difference between formal and informal language in your field, and give you the skills to describe and discuss behavior confidently in English.

Why Terminology Matters

Behavior analysis is a field that relies heavily on precise language. As an RBT, you will need to use clear and specific terms when communicating with your supervisors, clients, and families. Using the right words ensures everyone is on the same page and that interventions are consistent and effective. Without this shared language, it can be difficult to implement strategies or explain a client’s progress.

So let’s jump into some of the most important terms you’ll be using as an RBT. But before we dive in, here’s a little tip: don’t just memorize these words—learn how to use them in sentences and conversations. That way, when you’re in the field, the terms will roll off your tongue naturally.

 Key RBT Terms You’ll Need to Know

Here are some of the fundamental terms you’ll encounter in behavior analysis. These words might look complex at first, but I’ll provide examples to help you understand how to use them in context.

Vocabulary Chart 1: Basic Behavioral Terms

Behavior: Any action that can be observed and measured.

Example: “The child’s behavior improved after we started the new intervention plan.”

Antecedent: What happens right before a behavior.

Example: “The antecedent for his tantrum was being told to stop playing his video game.”

Consequence: What happens immediately after a behavior, influencing whether it will happen again.

Example: “The consequence of her completing the task was earning a sticker.”

Reinforcement: A stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Example: “We use positive reinforcement by giving praise when the child follows directions.”

Punishment: A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Example: “Removing the toy served as a punishment for hitting his sibling.”

Extinction: The process of reducing a behavior by withholding reinforcement.

Example: “We are using extinction by ignoring the child’s whining so it stops over time.”

Function: The reason or purpose behind a behavior.

Example: “The function of his behavior is to get attention from his teacher.”

Formal and Informal Language in Behavior Analysis

In the world of behavior analysis, you’ll find yourself in many different communication situations. Sometimes, you’ll need to speak formally—when you’re in meetings, writing reports, or discussing behavior with your supervisor. Other times, you’ll be more informal—when talking with clients and their families.

Formal Language

You’ll need formal language when writing session notes, emails to supervisors, and official reports. Formal language tends to use more specific terminology and professional tone.

Example of Formal Language:

 “The client exhibited maladaptive behavior when presented with a task demand, and reinforcement strategies were implemented to increase compliance.”

This sentence is clear, precise, and avoids slang or casual expressions. It’s what you’ll want to aim for in professional settings.

Informal Language

On the other hand, when communicating with parents or caregivers, you may need to simplify things. They might not be familiar with all the technical terms, so it’s important to use language that is easy to understand without being condescending.

Example of Informal Language:

 “When I asked him to do the task, he got upset, so we gave him a reward when he calmed down and tried again.”

This example is conversational but still gets the point across. Remember, the goal is always clear communication.

Describing and Discussing Client Behavior in English

One of your key responsibilities as an RBT will be to describe client behavior in a clear, objective, and measurable way. This can be tricky, especially when English isn’t your first language. But don’t worry, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Here are some tips for describing behavior effectively:

1. Be Objective: Describe what you see or hear. Avoid making assumptions about the client’s feelings or intentions.

Good example: “The client threw the toy when asked to clean up.”

Not-so-good example: “The client was angry because he didn’t want to clean up.” (This assumes the client’s feelings, which might not be accurate.)

2. Use Specific Terms: Use the vocabulary from behavior analysis to describe actions.

Good example: “The client engaged in noncompliant behavior when given a demand.”

Not-so-good example: “The client was being difficult.”

3. Avoid Jargon (when not needed): When talking to families, avoid using too much technical language unless they understand it.

Good example: “He screamed and hit the table when I asked him to do the puzzle.”

Not-so-good example: “He displayed maladaptive behavior in response to a task demand.”

Here’s a quick cheat sheet of common ways to describe behaviors in professional, clear English.

Vocabulary Chart 2: Describing Behaviors

 Aggression: The client hit, kicked, or bit others when frustrated.

 Non-compliance: The client refused to follow instructions by ignoring or avoiding the task.

 Tantrum: The client yelled, cried, or threw objects when told to stop playing.

 Self-injurious: The client hit themselves on the head or bit their hand when denied access to a toy.

 Stereotypy: The client engaged in repetitive hand flapping when overstimulated.

 Elopement: The client ran away from the group when they became anxious.

Practice Time: Let’s Put it All Together

Let’s practice describing a situation using some of the vocabulary we’ve covered.

Here’s a scenario: You are working with a child who is learning to complete a puzzle. When you give them the puzzle pieces, they throw them on the floor and refuse to engage. After a few minutes of trying, you provide a verbal prompt, and the child starts putting the pieces together. Once the puzzle is complete, you give them a high five as reinforcement.

How would you describe this behavior?

Example Description: “The client initially displayed noncompliant behavior by throwing the puzzle pieces on the floor when given the task. After a verbal prompt, the client engaged in the activity and successfully completed the puzzle. Reinforcement in the form of a high five was delivered after task completion.”

See how we used clear, objective language? The description doesn’t make assumptions about the child’s mood or intentions, but it describes exactly what happened.

Conclusion: Keep Building Your Vocabulary

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first lesson in behavioral terminology for RBTs. By now, you should have a solid understanding of some of the key terms in behavior analysis and how to use them in both formal and informal settings. Remember, building vocabulary is essential, but using it in real life conversations is just as important.

Keep practicing these terms, especially in scenarios that you might face as an RBT. Whether you’re talking to a client, their family, or your supervisor, the goal is to be as clear and objective as possible. In the coming lessons, we’ll dive even deeper into specific areas like reinforcement strategies, handling challenging behaviors, and more.

So, until next time, keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to ask questions when you’re unsure. I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

 Behavior: Any observable action.

 Antecedent: What happens before a behavior.

 Consequence: What happens after a behavior.

 Reinforcement: Increases a behavior.

 Punishment: Decreases a behavior.

 Function: The purpose of the behavior.

Keep practicing, and soon, these terms will become second nature to you!