ABA / Verbal Behavior
Verbal Behavior (VB) is, in fact, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Verbal Behavior is not a separate approach, therapy, or entity. It is the application of the science of behavior analysis (applied behavior analysis) with emphasis on B.F. Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behavior.
In 1957, B.F. Skinner published Verbal Behavior, outlining his analysis of language as behavior. Skinner classified language into operants, or functional units of language, (Receptive; Mimetic/Echoic; Mands; Tacts; Intraverbals). The application of these verbal operants into your teaching is known as Verbal Behavior (VB). Each program incorporates teaching the child across all units of language, using Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET), by means of errorless teaching techniques and manipulation of the child's motivation. Each specific teaching procedure can be linked to emperical research. The combination of specific teaching procedures and establishing motivational moments throughout the child’s day ensures success for the child!
To summarize, a Verbal Behavior program combines the following elements:
• Skinner’s analysis of verbal operants
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
• Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
• Establishing Operations (EO)/Motivational Operations (MO)
• Specific teaching procedures (see definitions)