Verbal Behavior (VB)

Introduction

Verbal Behavior Therapy (VB) is a method that teaches communication using the principles of behavior modification and the theories of behaviorist B.F. Skinner. VB focuses on helping children understand the benefits of using language. At its core VB teaches children to make simple requests through language, picture exchange and pointing to a desired object. As reinforcement the child is given the item they requested immediately after the desired behavior is achieved. VB emphasizes the relationship building part of communication, rather than the rote, repetitive table style learning of ABA. A VB program can involve a minimum of 1 to 3 hours of therapy per week. Instructors can train parents and other caregivers to use verbal-behavior principles throughout the child's life.

Related Sites

Let’s Talk Speech and Language Services
Description: This website is an excellent resource for further information on VB and ABA therapies allowing you to ask questions and compare the therapies.

Play Connections Autism Intervention Center
Description: The Autism Intervention Center provides detailed information on Verbal Behavior.

Books

The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children With Autism and Related Disorders by Mary Barbera and Tracy Rasmussen
Description: Written by a behavior specialist and mother, this book contains many real-life experiences for using verbal behavior teaching. In addition to improving language skills, sign language techniques are also addressed.

Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities by Mark L. Sundberg
Description: Giving parents and teachers a quick means of assessing language skills with the BLAF (specialized form), this easy to read book focuses on Skinner’s language methodology through everyday common childhood examples.

Tools

Parent Education Videos
Description: Videos demonstrating methods for VB teaching

ABA Educational Resources, Ltd.
Description: Verbal Behavior Flash Cards for starting conversations, asking questions, and Learning to Talk cards for purchase are provided at this web site.

Parent Forums/Blogs

Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.

Forum/Blog Name: ABA & Teaching Verbal Behavior
Description: This high volume moderated forum is used for teaching verbal behavior (VB) within a program of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Discussions include difficulties in the development of communication seen in most individuals with autism and other related disabilities, with an emphasis on functional language and motivational variables using ABA techniques.

Forum/Blog Name: Verbal Behavior Center for Autism
Description: A non-profit group that is partnering with parents of children with autism to provide ABA/VB services.

Consumer Corner

Helpful VB Products
Description: Many useful products for teaching verbal behavior including the VB-MAPP set.

The Carbone Clinic
Description: The Carbone Clinic provides services to the autism community in the New York metropolitan area and throughout the U.S. through OutReach and Consultation services divisions.

Community Library

What is Verbal Behavior?
Description: An article explaining the difference between ABA and Verbal Behavior (VB). In addition, the benefits of VB are discussed.

Behavioral Language Interventions for Children with Autism: Comparing Applied Verbal Behavior and Naturalistic Teaching Approaches
Description: Article discusses similarities and differences between applied verbal behavior and naturalistic teaching approaches.

(coming soon)