Consider the first reason why we use behavior-analytic terminology: Since ABA is an evidence-based approach, as a behavior analyst, you must know how to interpret terms drawn from published literature.
When you, as a practicing behavior analyst, invoke the authority of the science that backs your recommendations and actions, it is your responsibility not to misrepresent what that science established in one-line or multiple-lines of research. When you rely on flawed descriptions such as mentalism, you are violating the BACB’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
Since ABA is an evidence-based approach, as a behavior analyst, you must know how to interpret terms drawn from published literature.