Verbal Behavior Therapy (VB)

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

http://playconnections.com/the_verbal_behavior_approach  The Autism Intervention Center provides detailed information on Verbal Behavior.
http://www.letstalksls.com/resource-library/autism/common-questionsanswers-regarding-verbal-behavior  This website is an excellent resource for further information on VB and ABA therapies allowing you to ask questions and compare the therapies.
http://www.asatonline.org/resources/clinician/verbal   ASAT Real Science, Real Hope, not-for-profit website will provide you with an explanation of what
Verbal Behavior is and link you to different conferences and newsletters about Autism.

Books

The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children With Autism and Related Disorders   by Mary Barbera and Tracy Rasmussen.
Description:  In this book, Mary Lynch Barbera draws on her own experiences as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and also as a parent of a child with autism to explain VB and how to use it.  This step-by-step guide provides an abundance of information about how to help children develop better language and speaking skills, and also explains how to teach non-vocal children to use sign language.

Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities Perfect Paperback   by Mark L. Sundberg.
Description:  The book provides an easy to understand introduction to Skinner s analysis of language (i.e., mands, tacts, & intraverbals) with easy to follow examples of everyday language skills demonstrated by children.  The book contains a brief language assessment system; the Behavioral Language Assessment Form (BLAF) that will give parents and teachers a quick overview of a child s language skills (see the VB-MAPP for a more thorough assessment).

Jumpstarting Communication Skills in Children with Autism: A Parents' Guide to Applied Verbal Behavior   by Mary Jane Weiss and Valbona Demiri.
Description: AVB strategies and the other methods profiled (PECS, sign language, video modeling, scripts, social stories, etc.) can greatly boost a child's understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication, and help him improve his expressive abilities. The authors provide helpful suggestions on how parents can support this process and teach and reinforce communication skills at home.

Tools

www.especialneeds.com/autism-tools-for-aba-verbal-behavior-programs.html  This is your comprehensive source for special needs materials.  They provide VB instruction materials such as timers, reward charts, flash cards, and assessments.
http://www.abaresources.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=75  Verbal Behavior Flash Cards for starting conversations, asking questions, and Learning to Talk cards for purchase are provided at this web site.
http://barberabehaviorconsulting.com/  The author of The Verbal Behavior Approach offers different videos of VB in progress and articles with more information.

Parent Forums

(Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.)
Forum Name:  ABA & Teaching Verbal Behavior
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/VerbalBehavior/info  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.