Receptive

Being receptive is listener behavior, and refers to tasks that require a non-vocal action or motor response such as touching, giving (ex: an item to someone), or pointing.

Redirecting

Redirecting is a method to reduce maladaptive or undesirable behavior by providing a distraction in order to help redirect an individual to engage in appropriate or desirable behavior. For example, if a child shows signs of beginning a tantrum, a parent or caregiver could redirect this behavior by asking the child a question that would encourage a response, such as asking them their favorite character on their favorite TV show.

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs)

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (or RRBs) are a defining struggle of individuals with ASD, and encompass repetitive motor movements (stimming), sound repetition (echolalia), as well as repetitive and restrictive interests and activities. RRBs can range from an intense focus on a specific object or a part of an object (e.g., wrappers, wires, people’s hair, etc.) to repetitive thoughts about specific topics (e.g., a specific kind of dinosaur, a lion’s mane, tornadoes). RRBs can be physical in nature, such as repetitive body motions (e.g., stimming such as arm flapping, closing and opening fists, rocking back and forth), or display in the form of a strong interest in a particular activity (i.e., riding in the car, swinging on a specific swing in the park).

Reflexive Behavior / Response

A reflexive behavior or reflexive response is an involuntary or unconscious reaction to a stimulus, and can serve to develop a Pavlovian response or (classical) conditioning. In reflexive behavior, the reaction occurs without conscious control or thought.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement can desirably increase or decrease the likelihood of a certain behavior occurring again under a given set of circumstances. Reinforcement can be positive (a reinforcer is given to an individual to strengthen a certain behavior) or negative (an aversive stimulus causing an undesirable behavior is removed from the environment thus causing a desirable behavior to occur).

Reinforcer (Immediate and Delayed)

A reinforcer is a stimulus change that follows a desirable behavioral response and increases the likelihood that the particular response will occur again. A reinforcer strengthens the particular behavior. The reinforcer is something used to motivate a learner to complete a task, or engage in a behavior. Reinforcement can be tangible (toy), social (praise), physical (hugs, kisses), etc. In behavior analytic terms, to be considered a reinforcer the likelihood of future occurrence of the desirable behavior must maintain or increase. An immediate reinforcer is given immediately after the desired response. For example, Sally washed her hands when she was asked. Immediately after she is done washing her hands, she is given social praise and her favorite snack. In this example, the social praise and Sally’s favorite snack are immediate reinforcers. On the other hand, a delayed reinforcer is given after the desired behavior has occurred. For example, Billy played well with his friend at the park. Billy is not given social praise or a tangible reward until they have left the park and gotten home. In this example, the social praise and a favorite snack Billy receives once he gets home are delayed reinforcers.

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is an entry-level healthcare professional who holds a credential that denotes that they met specific education and experience standards and passed the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) RBT Exam through Pearson Vue (the company that delivers licensure tests). RBTs complete a 40-hour training to receive the nationally-recognized certification. They typically work directly with individuals who have developmental disorders that affect behaviors, such as ASD, and implement a treatment plan designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). RBTs typically work with and are supervised by a BCBA. The difference between a BT and an RBT is that an RBT has met a few additional requirements beyond those that a BT has met. These requirements, including passing a national certification exam and paying a small fee mean that, unlike a BT, an RBT is officially “registered” with the BACB. RBTs implement treatment plans, collect behavioral data, and complete documentation of patient progress.

Response (Conditioned, Unconditioned / Reflex)

A response is a particular behavior elicited in the presence of a stimulus. A conditioned response is a newly developed behavior or response to a conditioned stimulus (or CS) that was previously a neutral stimulus (or NS) (did not cause a behavior or response). An unconditioned / reflex response is a response to an unconditioned stimulus (or US) that occurs automatically / naturally and is out of the individual’s control.