Verbal Behavior/Applied Verbal Behavior

Description: Verbal Behavior was developed by B.F. Skinner and describes a behavioral approach to the acquisition of language in individuals of typical development.. It emphasizes that communication is a behavior that follows the same laws and principles as other forms of behavior. In his book, Verbal Behavior, Skinner introduced and described new terms to refer to language processes from a behavioral perspective (e.g., mands, tacts, intraverbals). More recently, the terms “Verbal Behavior” or “Applied Verbal Behavior” have also been informally used to identify a teaching approach that emphasizes Skinner’s analysis of language.

Research Summary: A few small studies indicate that verbal behavior/applied verbal behavior increases single word or short phrase tacts, mands, and intraverbals either vocally or by sign language in children with autism. Some investigators view verbal behavior/applied verbal behavior as a form of incidental teaching (see entry on “Incidental Teaching”), while others view it as a different teaching approach.

Recommendations: Verbal behavior/applied verbal behavior may be an effective procedure for teaching children with autism various forms of communication. However, much additional research is needed to test whether or not verbal behavior/applied verbal behavior procedures are effective for teaching complex, flexible, and generalized verbal repertoires to individuals with autism. Additional research is also needed on whether verbal behavior/applied verbal behavior is the same as or distinct from standard procedures for incidental teaching.

Selected References:

Selected scientific studies

• Bourret, J., Vollmer, T.R., & Rapp, J.T. (2004). Evaluation of a vocal mand assessment and vocal mand training procedures. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 129-144.
• Miguel, C.F., Carr, J.E., & Michael, J. (2002). The effects of a stimulus-stimulus pairing procedure on the vocal behavior of children diagnosed with autism. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 7, 53-68.

Systematic reviews of scientific studies:

• Carr, J.E., & Firth, A.M. (2005). The verbal behavior approach to early and intensive behavioral intervention for autism: A call for additional empirical support. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavioral Intervention, 2, 18-27.
• Sundberg, M. L., & Michael, J. L. (2001). The benefits of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior for children with autism. Behavior Modification, 25, 698-724.