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

Jumpstarting Communication Skills in Children with Autism: A Parents' Guide to Applied Verbal Behavior by Mary Jane Weiss and Valbona Demiri
Description: This guide was created specifically for parents of children with autism. Given ideas with picture symbols, modeling through videos, written scripts, and special social stories, parents can augment the communication skills taught at school.

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.

Tools

Barbera Behavior Consulting
Description: The author of The Verbal Behavior Approach offers different videos of VB in progress and articles with more information.

Parent Education Videos
Description: Videos demonstrating methods for VB teaching

Parent Forums/Blogs

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

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.

Forum/Blog Name: Autism: AVB: ABA: Verbal Behavior
Description: One of the most complex tasks both parents and professionals face is developing and implementing an effective language intervention for children with autism. Parents and professionals are finding that BOTH Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET), together with the help of Skinner's (1957) Functional Analysis of Verbal Behavior to be very effective for children with autism.

Consumer Corner

Tools for ABA & Verbal Behavior Programs
Description: This site provides several helpful VB products including educational, daily living, sensory motor, as well as toys.

The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children With Autism and Related Disorders
Description: This guide contains a wealth of information on developing language ability. Additionally, teaching sign language, reducing behavior issues, and addressing self-help skills are discussed.

Community Library

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.

Lighthouse Autism Center Uses the Verbal Behavioral Branch of Applied Behavioral Analysis
Description: Article describing verbal behavioral therapy and associated benefits.

(coming soon)