When it comes to helping children with autism develop communication skills, one evidence-based approach stands out: Verbal Behavior Therapy. Grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) is a proven strategy for helping nonverbal and minimally verbal children learn to communicate more effectively. At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we integrate Verbal Behavior Therapy into many of our ABA therapy programs to help children in New Haven County—including Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, and Wilton—build meaningful language and communication skills.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Verbal Behavior Therapy is, how it works, and why it plays such an important role in autism treatment.
What Is Verbal Behavior Therapy?
Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) is a specialized form of ABA therapy that focuses on teaching communication based on the function or purpose of language. Unlike traditional speech therapy that emphasizes vocabulary and grammar, VBT concentrates on helping children understand why we use language—whether it’s to ask for help, label objects, or respond to others.
Verbal Behavior Therapy is based on the work of B.F. Skinner, a psychologist and behaviorist who identified different types of verbal behavior, including:
- Mands – Requests (e.g., “I want juice”)
- Tacts – Labels (e.g., saying “cat” when seeing a cat)
- Echoics – Repeating what someone else says
- Intraverbals – Conversation or answering questions (e.g., “What’s your name?” → “Alex”)
- Autoclitics – Modifiers or connectors that add meaning to other types of language
In VBT, children are taught to use language in natural and functional ways. Therapists break down communication into manageable steps, using positive reinforcement and repeated practice to build each skill over time.
How Verbal Behavior Therapy Helps Children with Autism
Many children with autism have difficulty communicating, whether verbally or nonverbally. Some may struggle to express their needs, while others may have a hard time understanding social cues or holding conversations. Verbal Behavior Therapy addresses these challenges by focusing on functional, purposeful communication.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Encourages Motivation to Communicate
VBT uses a child’s natural interests—such as favorite toys or snacks—to motivate them to communicate. This helps children understand that language has power: it helps them get what they want or need.
2. Promotes Meaningful Language Use
Instead of just memorizing words, children learn to use language in meaningful, real-life situations. This leads to more practical communication, especially in daily routines.
3. Breaks Down Complex Language Skills
VBT teaches communication in small, structured steps. This is especially helpful for children who feel overwhelmed by the idea of speaking or don’t yet understand the purpose of language.
4. Reinforces Communication Through ABA Strategies
At Solstice, VBT is woven into ABA therapy programs, using reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and communication skills.
5. Supports Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal Children
For children who are not yet speaking, VBT can be combined with other tools—such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices—to help them begin expressing themselves.
What a VBT Session Looks Like
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, Verbal Behavior Therapy sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Typically, sessions are conducted one-on-one with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and are overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
A session may involve:
- Asking the child to request a desired item (mand)
- Teaching the child to label everyday objects (tact)
- Practicing repeating sounds or words (echoic)
- Encouraging conversation through fill-in-the-blank questions (intraverbal)
Therapists use positive reinforcement (such as praise or access to a favorite toy) to strengthen the child’s response. These lessons often take place in both structured and natural environments, such as at our center, at home, or even out in the community.
How Solstice Incorporates Verbal Behavior Therapy
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we believe in using a personalized and evidence-based approach to autism treatment. Verbal Behavior Therapy is just one of the many tools we use to support communication and language development in children with autism.
In addition to VBT, our services include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Services
We work closely with families to create a customized treatment plan based on each child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. Parent training is an essential part of our model, helping caregivers learn how to support communication skills in everyday life.
Conclusion
Verbal Behavior Therapy is a powerful tool in helping children with autism learn to communicate effectively and with confidence. By focusing on functional communication and using natural reinforcement, VBT opens the door to meaningful language development that can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we are proud to offer Verbal Behavior Therapy as part of our comprehensive ABA therapy programs. If you’re in New Haven County, including Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, or Wilton, we’re here to help your child build strong communication skills.
Call us today at (203) 900-4720 to learn more about our therapy programs and how we can support your child’s communication development.
