Training Behavior Analysis Graduate Students to Work with an Interpreter

Introduction

As the United States becomes more diverse, behavior analysts must provide effective services to families who speak languages other than English. Many Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals encounter language barriers when working with clients from various linguistic backgrounds. While interpreters can help bridge this gap, many behavior analysts lack formal training in how to collaborate with them effectively.

A recent study by Vazquez, Lechago, and McCarville (2024) aimed to address this gap by training ABA graduate students to work with interpreters using Behavioral Skills Training (BST). Their findings highlight both successes and challenges in improving communication between behavior analysts, interpreters, and families.

Why Language Access Matters in ABA

Linguistic diversity in the U.S. is increasing, especially among Hispanic and Latino populations. Unfortunately, non-English-speaking families often face additional barriers in accessing ABA services, including:

• Delays in autism diagnosis due to limited provider availability and language constraints.
• Difficulty participating in therapy when caregivers cannot fully understand recommendations.
• A lack of culturally competent providers, which can discourage families from seeking or continuing services.

Ensuring language access isn't just a courtesy—it's an ethical obligation. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) emphasizes cultural competency, and by 2027, additional training requirements will ensure that behavior analysts are better equipped to serve diverse populations.

Common Challenges in Working with Interpreters

Many behavior analysts have little training on how to effectively communicate with interpreters, leading to common mistakes such as:

• Speaking too quickly or using overly technical language, making it difficult for caregivers to understand.
• Failing to engage directly with the caregiver, instead directing conversation toward the interpreter.
• Not clarifying key points, which can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect implementation of treatment plans.

While some strategies exist for working with interpreters, there has been limited research on how to systematically train behavior analysts to improve these interactions.

Study Overview: Training ABA Graduate Students

Vazquez et al. (2024) designed a study to evaluate how BST could improve ABA graduate students’ ability to work with interpreters. The training included five key skills:

1. Positioning – Ensuring appropriate seating to facilitate smooth communication.
2. Using non-technical language – Avoiding jargon and speaking clearly.
3. Speaking in short, simple sentences – Making translation more efficient and accurate.
4. Directly addressing the caregiver – Speaking to them rather than the interpreter.
5. Clarifying and repeating when needed – Ensuring key points are understood.

Study Participants and Design

The study included:

• Graduate students in behavior analysis, who were trained to work with an interpreter.
• Spanish-speaking caregivers, who evaluated the effectiveness of communication.
• Bilingual interpreters, who facilitated the sessions.

Using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design, the researchers measured how well participants implemented these strategies before and after training. Caregiver comprehension was also assessed through questionnaires.

Key Findings

What Worked Well

1. Behavioral Skills Training (BST) was effective – After just one hour of training, graduate students showed significant improvements in their ability to work with interpreters.
2. Interpreters reported higher satisfaction – Communication between the students and interpreters improved, making the sessions smoother.
3. Skills were retained – Students continued to apply effective communication strategies even after formal training had ended.

Remaining Challenges

1. Caregiver comprehension didn’t significantly improve – Despite better communication strategies, caregivers still struggled to fully understand the material.
2. Some students needed additional prompts – Visual supports may be necessary for students who struggle with verbal communication skills.
3. The study focused only on one language (Spanish) – Future research should explore how these findings apply to other languages and cultural contexts.

Takeaways for Behavior Analysts

For behavior analysts working with interpreters, this research highlights simple yet effective strategies to improve communication:

• Use plain, clear language – Avoid technical terms and acronyms when speaking through an interpreter.
• Keep your sentences short – Long, complex statements are harder to translate accurately.
• Engage with the caregiver directly – Look at them when speaking rather than focusing on the interpreter.
• Pause frequently and ask for clarification – Encourage questions to ensure key concepts are understood.
• Position yourself strategically – Sit in a way that allows for smooth back-and-forth communication.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that ABA graduate students can quickly improve their ability to work with interpreters through structured training. However, challenges remain in ensuring that families fully understand the information being provided. Future research should explore ways to enhance caregiver comprehension and expand training to diverse linguistic communities.

As ABA professionals, we must prioritize language access to provide equitable care. By adopting best practices for working with interpreters, we can help bridge communication gaps and ensure that all families receive the support they deserve.

For more details, check out the original research:
Vazquez, D. J., Lechago, S. A., & McCarville, M. J. (2024). Training Behavior Analysis Graduate Students to Work with an Interpreter. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1160–1174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00938-w

AI Research Assistant

See Full Bio