The Verbal Behavior Approach

How to Teach Children with Autism and Related Disorders

By: Mary Lynch Barbera, Tracy Rasmussen

Narrated by: Jen Gosnell

A step-by-step guide on how to help children develop language and speaking skills.

The Verbal Behavior (VB) approach is a form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), that is based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and works particularly well with children with minimal or no speech abilities. In this book Dr. 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. An entire chapter focuses on ways to reduce problem behavior, and there is also useful information on teaching toileting and other important self-help skills, that would benefit any child.

This book will enable parents and professionals unfamiliar with the principles of ABA and VB to get started immediately using the Verbal Behavior approach to teach children with autism and related disorders.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2007 Mary Lynch Barbera (P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

“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.” (International Journal of Behavioral and Consultation Therapy)

“This book serves to educate family members exceptionally well on several of the most important concepts and foundational ideas of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Ms. Barbera does an outstanding job of explaining why the ABC's (Antecedents-Behaviors-Consequences) of behavior are so important to understand. She is especially good at explaining the importance of determining the function of challenging behaviors. This will help parents as they try to unravel the seeming mysteries of children's behaviors. She also clearly outlines how treatments must match the functions of behaviors, and how appropriate replacement skills must be taught to address the same function... the book is an excellent source of information on Applied Behavior Analysis and on Verbal Behavior. It serves to clear up some major sources of consumer confusion, most notably about Verbal Behavior's embeddedness within ABA. There are countless helpful and well-grounded suggestions for parents who are interested in using this approach with their children.” (Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention)

Good read, but no companion PDF

This book is an excellent step by step approach to dealing. However, it needs the companion PDF to put into action. This is currently unavailable, hence the 4 stars.

Great text...but where is the promised PDF?

As an ABA student, this text is an invaluable component to any student, teacher, paraprofessional or parent of a child with ASD who is "non-verbal". But, where is the promised downloadable companion PDF? while it is great to listen to the text in my car while traveling...I really wanted the PDF to highlight, mark...utilize! So...where is the PDF?

Great book highly recommend

I am just beginning my research into a deeper understanding of ABA. This was a great book that I not only listened to I also took notes and am using the attached references. Highly recommend.

Great read for aspiring BCBA

Loved the book. I have ordered printed copy to use during my BCBA Internship and after. Lots of good examples. Garbage easy to understand. Highly recommend.

Good Book for Teachers & Parents

This book provides the fundamentals of training socially acceptable/appropriate behaviors in young children. If you listen to this audible book, you’ll have a solid understanding of the process of both connecting with, and teaching new skills to children, which will in turn improve relationship success, and the range of skills and abilities of the child/children in your care. This book also provides a good foundation of understanding how people learn, why people do what they do, and what you can do to make a positive difference that will improve quality of life.. I recommend this:)

Educational.

Excellent listening. I would highly recommend this. The information is current and thorough. Thank you.

first book to consider on Autism

any family who hear word autism must read this book. however there should have been more step by step procedures on how to run NET, VB ITT

Awesome!

This book should be listened to by all parents, not just those of atypical children.

very well covered and explained topics in detail.

book provides good insight and approach on working on ASD with each topic well covered

Author does not have enough experience

The author of this book was only introduced to autism eight years ago, she does not have the experience or expertise to put forth such a book. She demonstrates very little understanding of developmental norms. She is dismissive of other professionals and demonstrates a deep lack of understanding or even interest in understanding what other providers do, and therefore has missed out on so many opportunities for her child. Unfortunately, this means that her clients, her readers, and her listeners may also be missing out. She needs to broaden her education, study language, speech and basic neuroscience, and observe dozens of experienced providers of neuropsych, OT, PT, speech, RDI, Social Thinking, etc to develop a true understanding of all aspects of autism and remediation of its symptoms. Only then can she write a book as an expert-not just a mom writing about her families experience with a few buzzwords and helpful tidbits thrown in.