Verbal Behavior Approach

Mary Lynch Barbera, Ph.D., RN, BCBA-D, is a Registered Nurse and a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst. From 2003-2010, she was the lead Behavior Analyst for the Pennsylvania Verbal Behavior Project studying the effect of Verbal Behavior Techniques in classrooms throughout the State of Pennsylvania. Barbera was the founding President of the Autism Society of America's Berks County Chapter, has worked with hundreds of children on the autism spectrum, and has extensive experience training a variety of professionals. She is the mother of a son with autism. Tracy Rasmussen is an award-winning journalist of over 25 years with a specialty in medical reporting. She has been a frequent speaker for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill on issues of mental health.

“The Verbal Behavior Approach serves as a practical and thorough guide on the principles of using the Verbal Behavior Approach for children with autism. Difficult terms are translated into easy-to-understand layman's terms, which would be very useful for first- time learners and practicing clinicians unfamiliar with the Verbal Behavior Approach... This book will explain not only to parents, but also to Speech- Language Pathologists and other professionals how to reinforce and encourage communication from children with autism and other disabilities... This book is a “must have” for Speech- Language Pathologists interested in learning about and utilizing the Verbal Behavior Approach. A number of highly specific therapy techniques are presented as well as other relevant topics such as reinforcement and behavior. Packed with useful information and tips, this book is ideal for Speech- Language Pathologists across both clinic and educational settings. The information that is provided in this text is comprehensive, concise and practical and Speech- Language Pathologists will benefit from its wealth of resources included in the appendices. As the need for services with children with autism spectrum disorder continue to grow, Speech- Language Pathologists will require a concise, easy to read resource as this one to become familiar with this approach to effectively teach language to students with autism.”

• Introduction.1. Starting with ABA. 2. The ABCs of ABA. 3: Assessing Your Child. 4. Developing Reinforcers. 5. Manding. 6. Increasing and Improving Speech in Non-Vocal or Minimally Vocal Children. 7.Errorless Teaching and the Use of Transfer Procedures. 8. Teaching Receptive Language Skills and Other Non-Verbal Operants. 9. Teaching Verbal Operants. 10. Putting It All Together. 11. Teaching Toileting and Other Important Self-Help Skills. 12. Final Thoughts. Appendices. Subject index. Author index.