Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
At the verbal behavior center for autism, we teach our children to communicate
using what we call mand spectrum. Mands are essentially asking or
requesting for what you want. Often we will teach children start off with one word
utterances and the goal is for child to mand using full sentences to communicate
like you and I do.
Here Ashley is using an iPad
several pictures have been taken of preferred items or activities that are
available to Ashley.
When Ashley's motivation is high for one of these items, she scrolls for the
pictures, taps on one and then hands the iPad to her therapist who now
knows what Ashley wants.
Before the therapist gives Ashley the requested item. She will be
required to make a vocal approximation of the word, in this case ball, so that
eventually the use of the iPad may be eliminated.
Ben has learned to mand using full sentences.
Previously he would mand to use only one word jump for example, then his mand
increased to two words, want jump.
Now he can successfully communicate his wants and needs with full sentences.
As you saw, at the verbal behavior center for autism, we teach our
children to mand.
Manding is extremely beneficial for children all along the autism spectrum
from low functioning to high functioning.
For more information about manding and our program please visit VBCA.