The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP): An Overview

Description

Typically the primary focus of an intervention program for children with autism should be on the development of effective language and social skills. There clearly are several other areas in need, such as self-care, visual motor skills, academics, fine and gross motor, etc., but language and social skills are typically the most significant deficits for children with autism. The failure to conduct an appropriate assessment results in one of the biggest problems in programs that serve children with autism: An inappropriate curriculum. Our first task is to identify the existing skills of each child. Our next task is to identify the language, social, behavior and learning barriers that are preventing more rapid learning. The VB-MAPP is a tool that is easy to use and will provide teachers, parents, and staff with the necessary information to develop an appropriate intervention program. The VB-MAPP is an assessment tool based on B.F. Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior and typical developmental milestones. This presentation will provide the attendee an overview and an understanding of the importance of incorporating Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior into language assessment.

About the Speaker

Carl Sundberg, Ph. D., BCBA-D, is the chief clinician and founder of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism. He received his doctorate degree in ABA from Western Michigan University under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. While a graduate student, he taught behavior analysis at WMU for seven years. Dr. Sundberg has publications in The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior. Dr. Sundberg has over 30 years of experience using behavioral interventions to teach individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. He oversees the training of all the staff at BACA and consistently spends time with the clients. Eighty percent of his time is spent contributing to the training of staff and addressing specific client programs.