Why Language Precision Matters!

The importance of language precision

I want to talk about jargon, and the importance of scientific precision. Now, to preface, I am NOT someone who wants the field to be snooty and jargon filled when talking with caregivers, clients, and other professionals. I fully support solid bedside manner, which includes jargonless, clear explanations of our methods and process. 

HOWEVER, I do want to make the case for why language (and jargon) matter.

During your time as a clinician, you will invariably be faced with a countless number of unique events. In the middle of session there is a spike in behavior, the kiddo starts bridging multiple intraverbals together when prompted, even just a unique behavior that seemingly had no origin. This is one of my favorite things about our work, there is always something new and exciting happening. However, as a clinician focusing on a small set of skills to increase, it can sometimes be difficult to make progress when you are constantly playing catch up to all these strange events.

Having a BROAD knowledge base and language gives you the ability to use our science, our language, and our behavioral principles to classify and problem solve quickly. When something unexpected happens, like an increase in challenging behavior during session, someone with a knowledge of resurgence, and renewal can quickly examine the environment, note that there was a new tech in session, and identify the increase in challenging behavior as likely renewal rather than resurgence. In the moment, this quick classification is essential, because how you would deal with renewal (renewal mitigation techniques) is very different than how you would deal with resurgence (follow through of protocol, fade down response effort if needed).

The point that I am trying to make is that memorizing the vocab words to get through grad school is NOT enough. Behavioral definitions, the language of our science is important, because the correct usage can bring sequence to seemingly random events and create predictable patterns out of chaos. Language precision MATTERS so do not neglect it. Dive headfirst into the behavior analysis vernacular and learn to love the jargon, because the jargon gives us the ability to classify and operationalize events that would normally leave our head spinning.

Thanks for listening! 

Matt Harrington, Head Librarian, BCBA