The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children with Autism and Related Disorders

by Tracy Rasmussen and Mary Barbera

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1843108526
• ISBN13: 9781843108528
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

From a Mother's Perspective

As a mother of three children on the spectrum, I want to share how much this book has changed our lives forever. Hope is a powerful feeling and one given to us from this book. We were going along following the "standard" recommendations of the professionals working with our children on the spectrum without much change for over the past two years. Sure, we had some changes, but not like the ones we were about to experience using the Verbal Behavior Approach. This book was very easy to read and did a great job of detailing exactly how to do what we were reading about. For us, the concepts were all completely new and a totally different way of intervening. Having Mary Barbara's personal story throughtout the book helped make it more real for us as a parents. This book has given us the power to help our children ourselves. No longer do we have to follow recommendations from others that just don't seem "quite right" for our children. We have the tools to make a difference ourselves. The therapists we do have that work with our children, are much happier also and feel a better sense of direction now. They have told me how much more hopeful they feel now having the resources they needed. They report that following the Verbal Behavior Approach has changed them professionally as well. We have spent the past few months working through behavior problems with our children. I am glad to report that for my middle son, age 4, 20+ meltdowns a day is literally down to none or an average of 3 a week. What a difference! We have our lives back! Each child on the spectrum is different of course, but I just wanted to share one personal detail in this review to give specific evidence of the changes we are experiencing. We feel so much closer and more connected to our kids. I don't know what more a parent with a child on the spectrum wants. We are forever grateful. I highly recommend this book to anyone out there who wants to help their children, clients, family member, and self grow and learn. I recommend this book to parents on the spectrum and parents of non-spectrum kids as well. We still have a long road ahead of us, but we are up for the journey having the resources we need now. (This book stays by my side and I refer to it daily.)

I highly recommend this book- an excellent tool!

As a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst, I find myself recommending this book to my clients on a daily basis. Applied Behavior Analysis is a very complex field. Barbera takes some pretty difficult concepts and shows us how to apply them in an interesting and easy to understand format. Applied Behavior Analytic techniques are tried and true interventions, backed by decades of scientifically validated (and replicated)research. I noticed in the review by Tara, she recommended against ABA techniques in favor of developmental approaches. While it was extremely interesting to read her review from the perspective of a High Functioning woman with Autism, I would like to reiterate that ABA is backed by decades of research and the importance of intensive behavioral intervention for individuals with autism cannot be ignored. Tara mentioned the importance of teaching communication-- this is covered in depth in Chapter 5 of the book. She also mentioned the importance of teaching a child to be interested in her and her actions-- I'd recommend re-reading Chapter 4 on reinforcement and pairing. Chapter 10 discusses using the child's motivation during Natural Environment Teaching (NET). Also, the ABLLS can be used as an assessment and curriculum guide so you can be sure you are teaching skills in a developmentally appropriate sequence. Again, this book is an excellent guide for parents and clinicians to use. I'm very impressed with it and recommend this book to all!!!!

A Syllabus for Success

As a practicing Board Certified Behavior Analyst I am constantly writing detailed treatment plans for parents and home treatment teams - an enjoyable yet tedious task. Trying to simplify the technical terms and concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis for people unfamiliar with Skinner's terms has suddenly become easy due to this highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable text. Parents can easily relate to the pain of the initial diagnosis Ms. Barbera received for her son. More importantly, she gives hope and a solid program outline for implementing the Verbal Behavior approach to even the newest participant in this world of spectrum disorders. A "must read" for anyone who wants to see their child or client progress.

A Must-Read for Parents and Educators!

As a parent of a child with Autism as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, I have found this book to be a must have for parents and educators alike! It's an easy read with a very personal touch. I ordered books for my son's teacher and therapist and plan on purchasing more for my clients. Mary Barbera takes Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behavior and makes it parent and educator friendly. A must-have!!!!

MUST READ!!

This book is one of the best books out there for ALL parents to read. It gives you great ideas and help for a child with a disability, but it also works for typical children. I love the way the author writes to you like she is talking to you directly, like you have been friends for years. This book is great and I would highly recommend it to everyone I know.