A Brief Overview of the Verbal Behavior Approach

The verbal behavior approach is a type of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that focuses on improving the language. The purpose of the therapy is to assist individuals who have autism spectrum disorder

 (ASD) in developing better language skills by breaking verbal output down into specific subtypes. There are four sub-types of words that the verbal behavior approach focuses on: 

• Mand, which is a verbal request. 
• Tact, which is an observation or label. 
• Intraverbal, which is a response. 
• Echoic, which is a repetition of another word or phrase. 

This approach is often used in conjunction with other ABA treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment program.