A Behavioral Approach to Language Assessment and Intervention
for Children with Autism
Mark Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA, Sundberg and
Associates
Language training is usually the most important aspect of an
intervention program for children with autism. However, there are
many different theories as to what constitutes language, and
currently a variety of cognitive theories underlie most assessment
and intervention programs. Skinner (1957) provides a behavioral
analysis of language that is an empirically sound and
comprehensible conception of human language, and it lends itself
well to a practical and data-based assessment and curriculum.
Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior is based on the same
principles of behavior and basic research that underlie the
teaching procedures of discrete trial training (DTT) and applied
behavior analysis (ABA). Together, these two components of behavior
analysis constitute a solid foundation for a day-to-day language
intervention program. This presentation will describe the basic
aspects of Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior, and explain how
it can provide a functional framework for language assessment and
intervention for children with autism.
Dr. Mark L. Sundberg, BCBA, received his doctorate degree in
Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University (1980),
under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. Dr. Sundberg is a Licensed
Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been
conducting language research with children with autism for over 30
years. He is the founder and past editor of the journal The
Analysis of Verbal Behavior, and is the co-author (with James
W. Partington) of the books Teaching Language to Children with
Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities, The Assessment
of Basic Language and Learning Skills: The ABLLS, and (with
Jack Michael) A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior.
He has published over 40 professional papers, given over 400
conference presentations and workshops, and taught 80 college
courses on behavior analysis, verbal behavior, sign language, and
child development. Dr. Sundberg has received a number of awards
including the 2001 "Distinguished Psychology Department Alumnus
Award" from Western Michigan University.