What is the term for the direct recipient of behavior-analytic services?

The term for the direct recipient of behavior-analytic services is "client." In the context of behavior analysis, a client is defined as an individual who directly receives and benefits from the interventions and support provided. This term emphasizes the individual's role in the therapeutic process, as they are the focus of assessment and intervention efforts aimed at addressing their specific needs or challenges.

The use of "client" indicates a professional relationship where the behavior analyst or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is working to promote positive change and improve the quality of life for the individual receiving services. It is important to recognize this role since it establishes a clear line of accountability and ethical responsibility for the practitioners involved in delivering those services.

Other terms in the list, such as "stakeholder," may refer to individuals who have an interest in the client’s progress, like family members or educators, but they are not the ones directly receiving services. "Provider" refers to the behavior analysts or RBTs delivering the services, and "participant" could denote someone who is actively involved in a program or study, but it does not specify the direct receipt of behavior-analytic services. Therefore, "client" is the most appropriate term to describe the individual receiving the targeted intervention.