This volume of reprints brings together research and analyses published by Sundberg and/or Michael and their collaborators over the past 15 years in journals such as The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, JEAB, JABA, Behaviorism, and The Behavior Analyst. The book includes sections on establishing operations and the mand, teaching verbal behavior to individuals with language impairments, teaching verbal behavior to nonhumans, topography-based and selection-based verbal behavior, automatic reinforcement and punishment, conceptual issues, research topics and reference lists. (302 pages.)
Mariposa School "Training Manual" by Tracy Vail and Denise Freeman.
Available at Mariposa School
This manual was compiled from handouts written by Tracy Vail and Denise Freeman and edited by Cindy Peters for Verbal Behavior Training Seminars July - October 2002.
Carbone CD Seminar Set by Dr. Vincent J. Carbone.
Available at ABA Toolchest.
Now available on CD, this comprehensive CD Seminar Set will describe the behavioral approach to teaching communication skills to children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. This approach is based on B. F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and the research of Michael, Sundberg, Partington, and others. You will learn how to: Conduct a Behavioral Language Assessment; Select the most appropriate form of communication for a child or adult, such as vocalization, signing, pointing to or exchanging pictures, or activating an augmentative device; Select the communication responses and supporting skills that should be taught first. The CD Seminar Set will include the recommended teaching procedures for children who have no formal communication skills, to children who are near conversational speakers. The CD Seminar Set will also describe and demonstrate errorless teaching, specific quick-transfer (prompting and fading) procedures, and the use of both discrete trial training in the natural environment and during intensive teaching sessions. CD Seminar Set includes over 7 hours of video instruction, contained on 7 CDs: 1. Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior; 2. Teaching Learner Cooperation: Part I; 3. Teaching Learner Cooperation: Part II; 4. Instructional Variables and Teaching Procedures; 5. B.F. Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior; 6. Selecting an Augmentative/Alternative Method of Communication; 7. Teaching Non-Vocal Learners to Talk
Teaching Verbal Behavior: An Introduction to Parents Teaching Language by Dr. James Partington.
Available at Behavior Analysts, Inc. and Different Roads to Learning.
Behavior Analysts, Inc. is extremely proud to announce a new addition to our publications, with the release of Teaching Verbal Behavior: An Introduction to Parents Teaching Language. This 50 minute video, narrated by Dr. Jim Partington, follows the first ten months of an intensive language intervention program conducted by the mother of Dani, a young girl diagnosed with autism. Dani's progress demonstrates the importance of parents learning to capture their child's motivation, as we see Dani's family teaching her how to ask for items and activities that she enjoys (mand training). Dr. James Partington reviews the process for the identification of initial skills to be taught, and presents an analysis of effective teaching strategies. Dr. Partington additionally describes the progression of a language-based curriculum that focuses on the development of specific expressive language skills and other basic learner skills. Through the development of these skills, Dani, like many other children with language delays, gradually becomes more able to learn from less structured teaching activities. With Dr. Partington's clear and systematic presentation, parents and professionals can learn the essential elements of programs like Dani's, designed to help children with language delays be successful participants in the learning process.
The Early Learner at Home by Autism Teaching Tools™
Available at Autism Teaching Tools™
The Early Learner at Home is an intimate look at the curriculum of an early learner with autistic spectrum disorder. The teaching procedures used in the video are depicted with detailed explanations via diagrams, subtitles and voiceover. Examples of the teaching depicted include the following: requesting via picture exchange and speech, non-verbal social interaction, introduction to labeling (will go into more detail with later videos), teaching prepositions and actions, generalization, teaching via activities, requesting help, all done, waiting, sensory integration techniques including a full brushing/joint compression treatment, massage, labeling emotions, addressing problem behaviors, white boards for curriculum maintenance, beginning data collection, goal setting, gaining attention and maintaining motivation. Lastly, there is a brief section on prompt independence. The movie shows how [the family chooses] goals or make programming decisions and why. It is a good example of a child-first programming paradigm.
Evy's Progress by Autism Teaching Tools™
Available at Autism Teaching Tools™
This video is a 22 minute glimpse at what [Evy] was like before diagnosis and therapy and what he was like 1 year and 8 months into therapy--including strengths and weaknesses. There is a brief tour of the toy/therapy room with a look at the white board system [used] to guide Evy's natural environment teaching. Unlike The Early Learner at Home which goes into detail about curriculum, this video shows how [Evy's parent captures] moments in simple daily routines and try to turn them into learning experiences. Evy was diagnosed with high functioning autism at 2 years old (HFA mainly due to his social abilities--his language abilities were classified at 3-6 month old receptive and 6-9 month expressive). His language use was classified severe (though vocal) on the ATEC. Evy had one year of strict Discrete Trial therapy, but then [the family] moved away from that style to incorporate a broader range of ABA teaching procedures, as well as successful techniques from other programs.
The Verbal Behavior Network
Available at The Verbal Behavior Network
The Verbal Behavior Network: Where those who are guided by the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that emphasize the teaching of verbal behavior to children with developmental disabilities. Share time saving documents & templates; View video demonstrations of best practice teaching procedures; Learn through "targeted and sustained" training; Create IEPs, program books & team web sites
"The History of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior"
Presented by Dr. Vincent J. Carbone. Available at POAC
A brief online video clip discussing the development of the science of behavior analysis and its applications (ABA), including VB. (about 50 minutes.)
Suggestions for Implementing an Effective ABA/VB Program
Available at The Mariposa School.
A list of available resources on teaching verbal behavior to students.
Quick Tips Binder Set by Behavior Analysts, Inc.
Available at Behavior Analysts, Inc.
Like the study guides you might have seen for “essentials of chemistry” (or math or geography), or a really condensed version of Cliff Notes, these double-sided, laminated sheets include both an “in-a-nutshell” version of various behavioral teaching topics and guided exercises for training. Each QuickTip sheet has condensed readings on one side and suggestions for additional readings, with the second side filled with training exercises and “post-on-the-fridge” idea space – even a checklist for evaluating training skills for that topic. These short, focused guides are the perfect length for program team meetings, initial new staff training sessions, or training parents, grandparents, or anyone else involved in a child's program. Durably laminated and hole-punched for easy placement in program binders, QuickTips are sure to become your standard reference for teaching stragies, as they have become ours. Our first series of QuickTips, on behavioral teaching strategies, includes the following topics: Reinforcement; Pairing (establishing yourself as a reinforcer); Instructional Control; Prompting and Fading; Shaping; Discrete Trials; Correction Procedure. QuickTips are available as single sheets or as a binder collection.
The Pocket ABLLS and
The Pocket FFC
Available at The Mariposa School.
THE PROBLEM: Most Verbal Behavior programs emphasize the importance of keeping the focus on the child, not the data. Traditional methods for recording data in a notebook are:
Disruptive to the student focus
Bulky and awkward to handle during instruction
Time consuming to set up and manage
Difficult to carry over into the natural environment (NET)
Not conducive to timely exchange of information between teachers.
Another important emphasis is the use of transfer procedures to build new skills based on existing ones. This is often overlooked in home programs because there are so many separate goals.
THE SOLUTION: The Pocket-ABLLS and Pocket-FFC systems were designed to overcome these challenges. Data is captured on reusable cards which can be carried anywhere. In most cases, it is necessary to circle only whether a student response was prompted or independent. At a later time (when the instructor is not working with the student) this information is transferred to corresponding data sheets so that the program supervisor may review trends. By grouping related goals together on one card, it is easier for instructors to make sure that all relevant targets are taught before something is considered "mastered".
FEATURES: Laminated, pocket sized cards are portable for use anywhere the child goes
Data can be captured quickly on cards and recorded later, so that the instructor's attention is focused on the student
Important notes (techniques, insights) can be written directly onto the cards for other instructors to see
Helps to ensure that all targets are probed and taught each day
Provides a quick "snapshot" of current and mastered goals
Easy to make sure mastered goals are maintained by cycling through the cards
The Complete ABLLS Kit by VB Teaching Tools.
Available at VB Teaching Tools.
The complete ABLLS kit comes with teaching materials needed to administer your child's assessment. The quality materials included can then be used for the IEP or home program you develop. This Kit is furnished with every material you will need for your VB program based on the recommendations of well-qualified VB consultants. The only materials excluded from this kit are reinforcers that are specific to your child's individual needs and motivation. The kit is not only comprehensive, but user friendly. It comes in a handy embroidered rolling duffle bag ideal for easy transportation. Items are labeled separately with the corresponding ABLLS code to make assessment quick and easy. All kit materials come in clear plastic containers for clear organization and safe keeping.
