What element should RBTs avoid when interacting with clients and their families?

RBTs should avoid forming personal relationships with clients and their families because these relationships can create a conflict of interest and may compromise the effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship. The role of an RBT is to maintain a professional boundary to ensure that the focus remains on the client’s needs and the objectives of their behavior intervention plan. Personal relationships can lead to biases or favoritism, which can interfere with data collection and treatment fidelity. By maintaining professional boundaries, RBTs can ensure that they provide objective, focused, and ethical support, which ultimately benefits the client's progress and the integrity of the behavior analysis practice.