Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):
The science of behavior is called Behavior Analysis. Applied Behavior Analysis is the process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree, and to demonstrate that the interventions employed are responsible for the improvement in behavior (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968; Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991). In other words, in Applied Behavior Analysis, better known as ABA, we observe, assess and evaluate behavior and then apply specific interventions to alter that behavior. Verbal Behavior (VB): Simply put, Verbal Behavior is communication. A Verbal Behavior (VB) Approach is guided by the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but additionally incorporates B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior based on his 1957 publication, Verbal Behavior. Verbal behavior may be best understood by learning Skinner’s verbal operants. These operants help us to classify what is said by why it is said.
Verbal Behavior (VB):
Simply put, Verbal Behavior is communication. A Verbal Behavior (VB) Approach is guided by the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but additionally incorporates B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior based on his 1957 publication, Verbal Behavior. Verbal behavior may be best understood by learning Skinner’s verbal operants. These operants help us to classify what is said by why it is said.
Verbal Operants
| Mand = |
request (you say it because you want it) |
| Tact = |
label (you say it because you see it, hear it, smell it, etc.) |
| Intraverbal = |
conversation, answering a question, responding when someone else talks (you say it because someone asked you a question or made a comment) |
| Echoic = |
repeating what someone says (you say it because someone else said it) |
| Receptive |
following directions (you do what someone asks you to do) |
Finally, the VB Approach is a very child-led approach which captures and/or contrives the child's motivation in order to help him/her learn.
VB-MAPP:
VB-MAPP is an assessment tool and skill tracking system for children with autism that is based on B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. The components of the VB-MAPP help determine a baseline level of performance for each child, and then provide a framework for tracking language and skill acquisition and curriculum development. The VB-MAPP is a very useful tool for both educators and parents, as it helps evaluate the child’s developmental milestones across an extensive skill set and also addresses the potential barriers that may be hindering skill acquisition. Furthermore, the VB-MAPP is a useful tool for IEP development, as it can help determine whether the child has acquired the skills necessary for immersion into a more typical classroom environment.
For additional information on the VB-MAPP, please go to:
http://www.marksundberg.com/vb-mapp.htm