the importance of manding - Parents Of Autistic Children of Northern ...

The Importance of Manding 10/16/2010
IF THE VOCAL AND ECHOIC REPERTOIRES ARE
NOT YET DEVELOPING…
� When a learner is not yet emitting vocal behavior and is not yet
developing an echoic repertoire, it is important to consider a form
of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
� The focus of our current discussion is not the assessment of various
forms of AAC; we will be discussing the instruction of sign language
as a form of AAC for learners who have not yet developed vocal
and echoic repertoires
� Some benefits to sign language as a form of AAC include:
� Constant availability of the hands
� Development of a full verbal behavior repertoire
� Often, quicker acquisition
� Frequently, greater reductions in problem behavior functioning as
a mand
� Facilitation of vocal productions
TEACHING PROCEDURE: SIGN MANDING
� Sign manding prompt hierarchy
1. Physical prompt
2. Model/Gestural prompt
3. Item present
4. Motivation is strong
TEACHING PROCEDURE: SIGN MANDING
1. When a learner declares motivation for a reinforcer and
does not emit a sign:
� Quickly model the sign and provide a most-effective, leastintrusive
physical prompt (i.e., full physical or partial
physical) to help the learner sign
� After the learner’s hand(s) are forming the appropriate
sign, immediately deliver the reinforcer
Note: the item name should be said repeatedly throughout
this procedure
VIDEO
Dower and Associates, Inc. 2010 7