ABA | mands | Skinner | theory review
Although applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been effective in improving general behavior in children with autism, the authors of this article suggest that more emphasis should be put on using an ABA approach to teach verbal behavior.
The authors begin by describing the views of the influential behaviorist, B.F. Skinner. Skinner theorized that speaking, listening, and responding are separate elements of communication. Skinner defined several types of useful verbal operators, known as mands (requests) as being the most important tools for early education. For example, when a child asks for milk, this mand is reinforced automatically by the object of the request - the child receives milk. In this way the child acquires language that supports the development of other mands. The authors also note that the therapist should remember that certain complex relationship words (like "larger" or "before") can be difficult for the child to understand. They suggest that verbal-behavior training, using Skinner's approach can eventually lead the child with autism to understand complex relationship words and to use them correctly.
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