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What is Applied Verbal Behavior or Verbal Behavior Approach (VBA)?

Based on the principles of B. F. Skinner's book called Verbal Behavior, this therapy is designed to teach communication skills. What makes it different from conventional speech therapy is that it is designed to connect the child's motivation to speak with the function or purpose of the word.

The child learns the purpose of language is to ask for things, label items, understand verbal directions, answer questions and use phrases to communicate.

 

How is this therapy different from ABA or Speech Therapy?

Most Discrete Trial Testing and ABA programs originate from a more traditional language system which focuses on receptive (interpret information) and expressive (spoken language) skills. Verbal Behavior Therapy begins with teaching "mands" or requests for desired items like a cookie or candy. The child quickly learns that asking for someone is meaningful because they get what they want.  Pointing is especially encouraged in the beginning. A child doesn't need to speak to be referred to as verbal. He/she simply needs to be able to communicate. This can involve gestures like pointing, sign language, picture exchange and AT. VBA isn't as structured as ABA and emphasizes mixing and varying what is being taught. It requires less documentation during the actual teaching session.

 

How does it work? 

Verbal Behavior Therapy is classified into types with a different function. It also uses "error less teaching" with the therapist providing quick and frequent prompts to encourage the child's communication.  The program begins teaching the child to use "mands" and point for desired objects. Keep in mind, the child doesn't have to say the word, signalling requests in any way like pointing shows reinforces the importance of communication. As new items are taught, the therapists also mixes in easy and hard requests to keep frustration levels down.​ The rule of thumb is using 8 positive reinforcements for every negative one.

                                          

The goal is for the child to say the word without any prompting especially when being asked a series of questions. The therapist needs to vary situations and instructions in ways that keep the child's attention. Parents can be involved in using these principles in daily life and in the child's natural environment. At the minimum, a Verbal Therapy Program is done 1-3 hours per week. However, some more intensive programs involve many more hours.

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Verbal Behavior Vocabulary:

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Verbal Operant: are foundational in developing language and communication skills.

Receptive: Complying to another's request by pointing or touching a picture.

Echoic: Repeating a word(s) that are heard.

Imitation: Copying someone else's (gross or fine) motor movements.

Tact: Naming or identifying objects, actions, events, etc. See a video example.

Mand: Asking for what you want. Often therapists will also teaching pointing along with verbal manding. See a video example.

RFFC:  Identifying an item when being asked a question about it's function, features and/or class.

Intraverbal: It is the most complex part to teach. Answering questions or involved in the conversations of others. See a video example.

Textual: Reading written words.

Writing: Writing and spelling words when one hears a spoken word.

 

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Who should oversee the program?

A Board Certified behavior Analyst (BCBA) can do an assessment, design and supervise the VBA interventions. To become a BCBA, the person needs to finish graduate level coursework and be supervised by an accredited BCBA for 500 hours. BCBA's differ from psychology in that they analyze the function of a child's behavior  If a child is misbehaving in school, the BCBA will investigate the "function" of the negative behavior or what is the child hoping to accomplish with his/her negative behavior then can put positive supports in place to lessen the negative behavior. The BCBA can also leverage the child's learning strengths to facilitate the child's learning process to lessen the child's frustration. This is a growing profession and some school districts are recognizing the benefits of hiring a BCBA to conduct evaluations and create a behavioral plan. Many BCBA's hold licenses and certifications in other professions like psychology.  Find a BCBA by clicking here.

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Recommended ages: As early as 2 to 3 years old who are beginning to learn language. It helps many children who use otherwise use visual supports like PEC's or assistive technology for communication. 

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Dr. Mary Barbera's, author of Verbal Behavior Approach offers parent and professional workshops on her website.

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There are always options:

If you are unable to get into an existing program, you can work privately with a BCBA. It's important to note that delaying this therapy along with delaying ABA can have an affect on its benefits. The following are some important parts of having a successful VBA Program whether it's being administered at home or at a facility.

If you choose the teach this therapy at home, you can create a binder to keep track of the program. You can also print and tape photos on the blank side of the 3"x5" cards without having to spend a ton of money.

​Focuses on establishing the mand training first.

• Remember to mix and vary tasks/pictures

• Tries to utilize as much as the natural environment as you can

• VBA is administered with a quicker pace than other therapies

• VBA relies more heavily on probing (testing what the child knows) and less overall documentation

• Staff and parents should be trained to analyze and respond to child's behaviors upon the principles of ABA and not approach it as a "one size fits all."

• Emphasis on "eye contact" is not usually taught. However, it can occur as a result of this therapy.

 

What is a VB-MAPP? 

The VB-MAPP was created by Dr. Mark Sundenberg and serves as a assessment tool, curriculum and skill tracking system. Based on B.F. Skinner's behavior analysis, the VB-MAPP is widely used in Verbal Behavior programs and schools. Some schools use the VB-MAPP and create IEP goals. The child can be reassessed on an annual basis.

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Establishing Operations, Inc. is another company that offers Verbal Behavior Training for both parents and professionals.  They have a DVD set  that demonstrates the program in an easy to understand format.

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**There are no local providers at this time teaching VBA specifically. Check with your ABA provider to see if they are or can incorporate it in their therapy plan.

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