A Parent-Friendly Glossary of Behavioral Terms 

While behavioral terminology is extensive and technical, it plays a crucial role in helping professionals communicate a clear understanding of behavioral processes. As such, caregivers are likely to encounter behavioral jargon in assessments, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), progress reports, and during IEP meetings.

Despite the need for technological clarity, Board Certified Behavior Analysts are ethically obligated to use understandable language when communicating about behavioral services with clients, caregivers, and other professionals. This requirement includes thoroughly explaining all behavior change intervention procedures before implementing them and ensuring a clear understanding of assessment and intervention results, when available. However, even with this ethical mandate, parents often report not understanding their child’s behavior goals, procedures, or assessment results.

Meanwhile, research indicates that behavioral jargon is poorly received among caregivers (Marshall et al., 2023) and teachers (Martin, 2022), potentially impacting service delivery, parent-provider relationships, and ultimately, limiting intervention effectiveness and learner outcomes. 

In response to these challenges, Lauren O'Donnell, M.S., BCBA, Javier Sotomayor, M.S., BCBA, and myself, collaborated to create a parent-friendly glossary of behavioral terms in both English and Spanish.

References

Marshall, K.B., Weiss, M.J. & Critchfield, T.S. (2023). Parents’ emotional responses to behavior analysis terms: A comparative analysis. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 39, 247–259. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-023-00191-2

Martin, S. (2022). The effects of jargon on school-based consultation (Publication No. 29210547). [Doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. https://www.proquest.com/openview/431ad3a329a83585324f2caf891899e1/1