| Abstract: The field of applied behavior analysis has contributed greatly to the wellbeing of children with autism and related disabilities. Problematic behaviors have been reduced, social skills enhanced, and language repertoires established through the use of behavior analytic technologies and teaching strategies. While these successes have helped to improve the lives of children and families, critics of behavior analysis continue to assert that the repertoires established by behavior analytic treatments are narrow, lacking in generalization, and neglectful of important cognitive skills. In particular, verbal behavior approaches designed to instruct language skills have been criticized as lacking the necessary complexity required to develop genuine understanding or fluent conversation. The present panel will address this issue in the context of current research trends, available manualized treatment models, and issues related to the acceptance of behavior analytic treatment. Special emphasis will be placed on moving the field toward contemporary behavior analytic approaches that are designed to increase communication skills beyond elementary verbal operants. |