Verbal Behavior Intervention

Verbal Behavior (VB) intervention is a comprehensive language program designed for adults and children who suffer from delayed or disordered language. VB uses similar concepts to Applied Behavior Analysis; it motivates children, adolescents and adults to learn language in an errorless way. The intervention focuses on the understanding of why we use words to communicate and how we connect words with their purpose. As an example, instead of just teaching a word, we must teach them how to functionally apply those words. For example, a child with autism might say the word “toilet” when they see one, but may not be able to say “toilet” when they need to use the bathroom or answer correctly when asked what a toilet is used for

Learning Language

Verbal Behavior Intervention is the method of teaching communication to children who have not yet acquired language. It consists of four “contingencies”: Motivational Operation, Discriminating Stimulus, Response and Reinforcement. The last component, reinforcement is necessary to make certain the desired skill will be repeated.

Texas Cares About Autism uses Verbal Behavior Intervention to address functional skills, such as language/communication, self-help skills, play skills, social skills, and complying with instruction. Verbal behavior services consist of 2-4 hour sessions, 3 to 5 times weekly. Texas Cares About Autism applies several domains as verbal operants including:​

  • Manding – this refers to your child’s ability to request items or activities
  • Tacting – this includes your child’s ability to label items they encounter in their everyday life
  • Motor Imitation – this skill is taught to assist children in acquiring gross motor and fine motor control
  • Echoics – this entails repeating sounds, words, or phrases in order to promote speech development
  • Intraverbals – this refers to the ability to answers questions, complete fill-in-the-blank statements or otherwise carry a conversation
  • Receptive Tasks – this skill refers to following instructions to perform a task