Verbal behavior

B.F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned behavior and that the same basic principles of behavior that constitute the foundation of applied behavior analysis apply to verbal behavior. According to Skinner (1957), humans acquire their ability to talk and understand language much in the same way that they learn other behaviors such as reaching, grasping, crawling and walking. Verbal behavior focuses on the function of language as opposed to topography or form. Since the publication of Verbal Behavior, many applied behavior analysts, including Jack Michael, Mark Sundberg, Jim Partington and Vince Carbone, have conducted and published research on verbal behavior. In 1998 Partington & Sundberg published their landmark book “Teaching Language to Children with Autism or other Developmental Disabilities”. That same year Partington & Sundberg came out with the ABLLS (“The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills”) and in 2007 ABLLS-R. In the year 2008 Mark Sundberg published “Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program” or VB-MAPP.

VB-therapy combines discrete trials and natural environmental training (NET – similar to incidental teaching or pivotal response training). Emphasis is placed on the child “pairing” with the therapist so as to make the therapist a conditioned reinforcer. Sessions are designed to be fun and rewarding for the child with new tasks interspersed with maintenance tasks, and hard ones with easy ones.


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Verbal behavior B.F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned behavior and that the same basic principles of behavior that constitute the foundation of applied behavior analysis apply to verbal behavior. According to Skinner (1957), humans acquire their ability to talk and understand language much in the same way that they learn other behaviors such as reaching, grasping, crawling and walking. Verbal behavior focuses on the function of language as opposed to topography or form. Since the publication of Verbal Behavior, many applied behavior analysts, including Jack Michael, Mark Sundberg, Jim Partington and Vince Carbone, have conducted and published research on verbal behavior. In 1998 Partington & Sundberg published their landmark book “Teaching Language to Children with Autism or other Developmental Disabilities”. That same year Partington & Sundberg came out with the ABLLS (“The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills”) and in 2007 ABLLS-R. In the year 2008 Mark Sundberg published “Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program” or VB-MAPP. VB-therapy combines discrete trials and natural environmental training (NET – similar to incidental teaching or pivotal response training). Emphasis is placed on the child “pairing” with the therapist so as to make the therapist a conditioned reinforcer. Sessions are designed to be fun and rewarding for the child with new tasks interspersed with maintenance tasks, and hard ones with easy ones.