Natural Environment Training
Mand Training A child reaches for a bottle of bubbles. The instructor says, “What do you want?” The child says “ba.” The instructor gives the
Sundberg & Partington (1998) have taken this classification system and created an intervention package to systematically teach language. They have added other areas of curricular emphasis and recommended a variety of instructional methods to be used along with this classification system. Their model of intervention is called Natural Environment Training (NET), which has received a great deal of attention in recent years. Sometimes intensive ABA programming using both the VB classification system and elements of NET is referred to as a Verbal Behavior program. Other components of instruction common in NET include 1) short inter-trial intervals also known as rapid pacing, 2) errorless learning, 3) task interspersal, 4) child directed choice of materials, 5) probe data collection, and 6) sign language as a nonverbal means of communication training.
child bubbles. Tact Training
The instructor holds up train and says, “What is it?” The child says “train.” The instructor says, “choo, choo” and pretends to be a train, inviting the child to do so, too. Intra-Verbal Training (Beginning) The instructor says, “The cow says…” The child says “moo.” The instructor smiles and says, “moo” back to the child. Intra-Verbal Training (Advanced) The instructor asks, “Where did you go on vacation?” The child answers, “I went to the beach.” The instructor says, “Ooh, I love the ocean!” The child says, “Me, too! And I made a sandcastle with my dad!”
Glossary
Inter-trial intervals – the amount of time between teaching trials Errorless learning – using instructions and prompts that will ensure the learner’s accuracy Task interspersal – mixing known tasks with new tasks Child choice – using the materials and activities that the child chooses and desires Probe data collection – occasional data collection to obtain an estimate of how often a behavior is happening; also a sample of how well a learner is performing a particular task Sign language – using gestures to communicate
Resources
Partington, J. W., & Sundberg, M. L. (1998). The assessment of basic language and learning skills: An assessment, curriculum guide, and tracking system for children with autism or other developmental disabilities. Pleasant Hill, CA: Behavior Analysts, Inc. Sundberg, M .L., & Partington, J. W. (1998). Teaching language to children with autism or other developmental disabilities. Pleasant Hill, CA: Behavior Analysts, Inc.
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ABA Principles & Methods
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