The Verbal Behavior Approach

The Verbal Behavior Approach is an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach focused on B. F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and is particularly well-suited for teaching non-verbal or minimally verbal children. Drawing on her own experience as a professional behavior analyst and mother of a child with autism, Dr. Mary Lynch Barbera reveals in this book the verbal behavior approach and how to use it. The book provides a step-by-step guide with abundant information on how to help children better develop language and speech skills, and also explains how to teach non-verbal children to start with sign language. An entire chapter focuses on strategies for reducing challenging behaviors. The book also includes useful information on how to teach toilet training and other important self-care skills, essential for the child's daily functioning. In short, this book allows parents and professionals approaching ABA principles for the first time to immediately begin using the verbal behavior approach to teach children with autism and related disorders. This book was written with the assistance of Tracy Rasmussen, a journalist with over 30 years of experience in health science communication. The Verbal Behavior Approach has been translated into 14 languages and has sold over 50,000 copies worldwide. This Spanish edition has been edited by behavior analysts Aida Tarifa Rodríguez, BCBA and Javier Virués Ortega BCBA-D, both with extensive experience in this field.