Verbal Operants
Inert your name
Summary of Observations
Scotty is frustrated when he does not get the items he wants from the table. He is even more frustrated when the lady restrains him and prompts him to vocalize what he wants. This is evident through the challenging behavior where he hits himself on the head with his hand. However, the continued use of mands and vocalizations, especially when he is directed to some of the things on the table helps Scotty use the words, vocalize his desires and replace his challenging behavior (Jennett, 2008). Mands are used at least twelve times in the span of the vide clip.
Edelson (n.d.) and Simeon & Hollander (2008) argue that injurious behaviors are not uncommon in people who have developmental disabilities. The self-injurious behavior in which Scotty engages entails hitting himself on his forehead repeatedly using the open end of his and on one occasion with the back of his palm. This self-injurious behavior occurs at least five times during the span of the video clip.
Prompting Strategies
The items that Scotty wants are laid on the table. The lady uses the mands and vocalizations when Scotty attempts to reach to reach for one of them. When he engages in the challenging behavior, the lady restrains him and issues the mands to encourage Scotty to vocalize when he wants. This was successful as evidenced by the ability of Scotty to use the words towards the end of the video clip. Future training sessions can be improved by combining mands and tacts as found by Reichow (2011) through the review of evidence in practice and treatment. This will enable Scotty to communicate his internal status and emotions (Pennsylvania Department of Educaiton, n.d.).
References
Edelson, S. (n.d.). Self-injurious behavior. Retrieved from https://www.autism.com/symptoms_self-injury
Jennett, H. (2008). Discrete Trial Instruction vs. Mand Training for Teaching Children With Autism to Make Requests. Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 24(1): 69-85.
Pennsylvania Department of Educaiton. (n.d.). The Verbal Operants and Some Related Operant Behaviors. Retrieved from http://mand.framewelder.com/ page/?template=verbal_operants
Reichow, B. (2011). Evidence-based practices and treatments for children with autism. New York: Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Simeon, D., & Hollander, E. (2008). Self-injurious behaviors: Assessment and treatment. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Press.
