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The Value of a Behavioral Analysis of Language for Autism Treatment

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Comprehensive Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment

Abstract

The Applied Behavior Analysis/Verbal Behavior (ABA/VB) model has strong foundations in the work of B. F. Skinner. A thorough historical background of the intervention approach as a basis for explaining the conceptual underpinnings and foundational aspects of ABA/VB is presented. The focus of this model relies heavily on the systematic development of functional communication skills in a sequence that draws heavily from research on human development. The ABA/VB approach also seeks to reduce language, learning, and social barriers that can interfere with the development of these skills. This chapter provides an analysis of speaker and listener behavior and outlines the foundational elements that evoke mands, tacts, and intraverbals with suggested applications. The comprehensive Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is also outlined, which is an assessment tool of 170 milestones across 16 language, play, and social domains that are developmentally matched to the expectations for typical children. There is also assessment of 24 language, learning, and social barriers that could impede progress, as well as a transition assessment to determine what educational format might be most beneficial to a child. Examples of the use of such assessments and implementation of the approach are summarized in detail, along with the evidence base that supports the ABA/VB approach.

The author would like to thank Cindy Sundberg for her comments on earlier versions of this chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavior Analysis Center for Autism, Fishers, IN, USA

    Mark L. Sundberg Ph.D., B.C.B.A.-D.

Authors
  1. Mark L. Sundberg Ph.D., B.C.B.A.-D.
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Correspondence to Mark L. Sundberg Ph.D., B.C.B.A.-D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Child Development, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA

    Raymond G. Romanczyk

  2. Autism Partnership, Seal Beach, California, USA

    John McEachin

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Sundberg, M.L. (2016). The Value of a Behavioral Analysis of Language for Autism Treatment. In: Romanczyk, R., McEachin, J. (eds) Comprehensive Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40904-7_5

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