Applied Verbal Behaviour
Applied Verbal
Behavior (AVB), a specialty within the field of
Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA). AVB is based upon B.F.
Skinner's 1957 analysis of verbal behavior, which looks at the
functions of the different verbal operants (units
of language).
Applied Verbal Behaviour addresses difficulties in the
development of communication seen in most individuals with
autism and other
related disabilities, in part by emphasizing
functional language and tying it to
motivational variables.
AVB has yielded dramatic
outcomes for many students and
has recently been popularized through the
successes of certain
professionals, notably Drs. Sundberg, Partington, Carbone,
McGreevy, Michael, et al.
The behavioral
analysis of language separates the components
of language into several verbal operants which enables us to
more specifically target language deficits and
ensure that a
student is utilizing language in its functional context. This
conceptual framework for language classification is well known
to many in the
field of behavior analysis; however, it is seldom
seen in intervention
programs.
This format
utilizes successful teaching strategies in order to
maintain a high level of
positive reinforcement - this leads to a
student who is motivated to respond to
instruction. This
teaching involves creativity and flexibility in order to move
with the student's motivational variables. Instructors must be
skilled in order
to accommodate this flexibility while continuing
to target the necessary skills
which are the focus of the
particular student's curriculum - each
student’s curriculum is
a unique program. We stress that a
student's learning must be
fun and motivating to all involved. This is achieved by refining
the skills
of those providing instruction in order to maximize
learning opportunities based
on the student's motivation.
The ABLLS
The Assessment of Basic Language and
Learning Skills
This assessment instrument provides a precise measurement
of a
student's existing skills and the conditions under which the
skills are being
utilized. It provides the foundation for the
development of a student's
curriculum by isolating specific skills
which prevent a student from acquiring
new skills. The ABLLS
is also an instant tracking system to continually measure
learning
achievements. Ongoing data collection ensures that a student's
skills
are, in fact, being acquired and learned.
Suggested Reading
Teaching
Language to Children with Autism or Other
Developmental Disabilities,
Sundberg &
Partington
ABLLS - The
Assessment of Basic Language and Learning,
Sundberg &
Partington
