Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Application of Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior for Teaching Communication Skills to Persons with Developmental Disabilities

  • Communication Disorders (J Sigafoos, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The current review aims to define and discuss the potential benefits of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior as it has been applied to communication interventions for people with developmental disabilities and provide recommendations for research and practice.

Recent Findings

A growing body of research guided by Skinner’s analysis continues to show the potential benefits of a functional approach to evaluating and teaching language.

Summary

Many gains have been made for communication interventions for persons with developmental disabilities by applying Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior as a framework. Skinner’s approach focuses on the analysis of functional units, verbal operants, and the controlling variables that establish a communication repertoire.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

  1. Lovaas OI. The autistic child: language development through behavior modification. New York: Irvington; 1977. https://doi.org/10.2307/1126497.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. Lovaas OI. Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1987;55:3–9. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.55.1.3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Lovaas OI, Smith T. A comprehensive behavioral theory of autistic children: paradigm for research and treatment. J Behav Ther Expert Psychiatry. 1989;20:17–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7916(89)90004-9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. •• Skinner BF. Verbal behavior. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall; 1957. https://doi.org/10.1037/11256-000. This seminal text outlines the theoretical underpinnings of a function-based approach to analyze language.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  5. Sautter RA, LeBlanc LA. Empirical applications of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior with humans. Anal Verb Behav. 2006;22:35–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03393025.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Sundberg ML, Michael J. The benefits of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior for children with autism. Behav Mod. 2001;25:698–724. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445501255003.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Bloom P. Language acquisition: core readings. Coleshill: Harvester Wheatsheaf; 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Brown RA. First language: the early stages. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1973.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  9. Skinner BF. About behaviorism. New York: Vintage Books; 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Laraway S, Snycerski S, Michael J, Poling A. Motivating operations and terms to describe them: some further refinements. J App Behav Anal. 2003;36:407–14. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2003.36-407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Hagopian LP, Wilson DM, Wilder DA. Assessment and treatment of problematic behavior maintained by escape from attention and access to tangible items. J Appl Behav Anal. 2001;34:229–32. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2001.34-229.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Carr EG, Durand VM. Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. J Appl Behav Anal. 1985;18:111–26. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-111.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Hemmeter ML, Kaiser AP. Enhanced milieu teaching: effects of parent-implemented language intervention. J Early Int. 1994;18:269–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/105381519401800303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Koegel RL, Koegel LK. Pivotal response treatments for autism: communication, social, & academic development. Baltimore: Paul H Brookes Publishing; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Lechago SA, Low A. A review of the mand-for-information training research literature. Int J Behav Anal Auti Spect Dis. 2015;1:35–54.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Raulston T, Carnett A, Lang R, Tostanoski A, Lee A, Machalicek W, et al. GE. Teaching individuals with autism spectrum disorder to ask questions: a systematic review. Res Aut Spec Dis. 2013;7:866–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2013.03.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Andersen G, Mjøen TR, Vik T. Prevalence of speech problems and the use of augmentative and alternative communication in children with cerebral palsy: a registry-based study in Norway. Perspect Augment Alt Commun. 2010;19:12–20. https://doi.org/10.1044/aac19.1.12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Wodka E, Mathy P, Kalb L. Predictors of phrase and fluent speech in children with autism and severe language delay. Pedi. 2013;131:e1128–34. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-2221d.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. • Ganz JB. AAC interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders: state of the science and future research directions. Augment Alt Commun. 2015;31:203–14. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2015.1047532. This review provides guidance on alternative communication systems for individuals who do not develop spoken communication.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Schlosser RW, Sigafoos J. Augmentative and alternative communication interventions for persons with developmental disabilities: narrative review of comparative single-subject experimental studies. Res Dev Disabil. 2006;27:1–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2004.04.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Cooper JO, Heron TEH, Heward WL. Applied behavior analysis. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson/Merrill-Prentice Hall; 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Michael J, Palmer DC, Sundberg ML. The multiple control of verbal behavior. Anal Verb Behav. 2011;27:3–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03393089.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. • Lerman DC, Parten M, Addison LR, Vorndran CM, Volkert VM, Kodak T. A methodology for assessing the functions of emerging speech in children with developmental disabilities. J App Behav Anal. 2005;38:303–16. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2005.106-04. This is a research article that outlines the procedures involved in conducting a functional analysis of verbal behavior.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Normand MP, Severtson ES, Beavers GA. A functional analysis of non vocal verbal behavior of a young child with autism. Anal Verb Behav. 2008;24:63–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03393057.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Ferreri SJ, Plavnick JB. A functional analysis of gestural behaviors emitted by young children with severe developmental disabilities. Anal Verb Behav. 2011;27:185–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf0339310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Michael J. Verbal behavior. J Expert Anal Behav. 1984;42:363–76. https://doi.org/10.1901/jeab.1984.42-363.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Sundberg ML. A program for teaching verbal behavior to persons in whom language is absent or defective. Kalamazoo, MI: Western Michigan University Behavioral Monograph #6; 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  28. • DeSouza AA, Akers JS, Fisher WW. Empirical application of Skinner’s verbal behavior to interventions for children with autism: a review. Anal Verb Behav. 2017;33:229–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-017-0093-7. This is a comprehensive review of the literature of empirical applications of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Eshleman JW. Quantified trends in the history of verbal behavior research. Anal Verb Behav. 1991;9:61–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03392861.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. •• Petursdottir AI, Devine B. The impact of “verbal behavior” on the scholarly literature from 2005 to 2016. Anal Verb Behav. 2017;33:212–28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-017-0089-3. This review provides the most up to date review of verbal behavior research and impact.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Dymond S, Alonso-Alvarez B. The selective impact of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior on empirical research: a reply to Schlinger (2008). Psyc Rec. 2010;60:355–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03395712.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Fienup DM. The future of verbal behavior: integration. Anal Verb Behav. 2018;34:18–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-018-0108-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Alzrayer N, Banda DR, Koul RK. Use of iPad/iPods with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities: a meta-analysis of communication interventions. Rev J Auti Devel Dis. 2014;1:179–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-014-0018-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Madzharova MS, Sturmey P. Effects of video modeling and feedback on mothers' implementation of peer-to-peer manding. Behav Int. 2015;30:270–85. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Sundberg ML. Verbal behavior milestones assessment and placement program: a language and social skills assessment program for children with autism or other developmental disabilities guide. Concord, CA: AVB Press; 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Partington JW. The assessment of basic language and learning skills-revised. Pleasant Hill, CA: Behavior Analysts; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  37. McGreevy P, Fry T, Cornwall C. Essential for living, a communication, behavior, and functional skills curriculum, assessment, and professional practitioner’s handbook. Orlando, FL: McGreevy; 2014.

    Google Scholar 

  38. McNaughton D, Light J. The iPad and mobile technology revolution: benefits and challenges for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication. Aug Alt Comm. 2013;29:107–16. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2013.784930.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Michael J. Two kinds of verbal behavior plus a possible third. Anal Verb Behav. 1985;3:1–4. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03392802.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 501W. César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio, TX, 78207, USA

    Amarie Carnett

  2. The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA

    Tracy J. Raulston

  3. Butterfly Effects, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Joshua Charpentier

Authors
  1. Amarie Carnett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tracy J. Raulston
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Joshua Charpentier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amarie Carnett.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Communication Disorders

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Carnett, A., Raulston, T.J. & Charpentier, J. The Application of Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior for Teaching Communication Skills to Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Curr Dev Disord Rep 6, 131–137 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-019-00170-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-019-00170-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation