On Institute Day, October 29th, special education teachers, support staff, and I had the opportunity to attend a workshop on Verbal Behavior Therapy. This therapy is designed for children with autism. It incorporates the use of applied behavior analysis, reinforcement techniques and language classification in a natural environment,using data based decisions to guide instruction. Language is divided into different functions. These functions are taught using highly motivating reinforces, modeling and repetition.
There is a growing body of research suggesting that the simultaneous use of vocal and sign training helps autistic children develop functional communication skills. Finding activities that are of interest to children with autism is often challenging. Verbal Behavior Therapy address this difficulty by identifying the child's interests - their reinforcers. Once the reinforcer has been identified, the teacher can use this to increase opportunities for learning language. Research shows that early identification and interventions are essential to maximum development. We will be incorporating this therapy into our early childhood through second grade.
