Questions vs. Statements

I would not demand that someone on the autism spectrum speak (using their voice) any more than I would demand anyone else to speak. Demanding speech from someone, you may get words to come out of their mouth or not. If they are under a lot of stress to speak, the words might be what they think or mean, or not. If someone *demands* that I speak, I tend to either shut down and can't talk at all, or I might say random things, which sound like they make sense but really aren't what I am thinking. This is where iPads and other non-speech AAC can be a real asset. If what you want is *communication,* let the person use what works for them. If what you want is "noises to come out of their mouth," you might try forcing speech. Statements can be good, *if* you provide alternates. So, if you are trying to find something out and you say, instead of "Are you hungry?" Something like "[Person's name] is hungry" and they really aren't, you need to also provide some other options such as tired, sleepy, etc. I would say the person's name rather than a pronoun such as "you," since some of us turn pronouns around so that "you" could mean "me."

Hi Judy, Skinner's theory was first published in 1957 and it expanded operant conditioning to verbal behavior. ABA is now based largely on Skinner and Ivar Lovaas. Here is a link to a nice article that I found on AVB. You might want to check it out.

http://www.christinaburkaba.com/AVB.htm. I'm eclectic in my therapy so I do not adhere to any one program. I take the best of the best for each individual child/adult.

Should you demand speech? You can withhold motivational items and that may prompt the desired response. Go back to my last two blogs and see the difference between "Statements vs Questions." Try using more statements and see if the child doesn't begin responding with a gentle rather than demanding response.

Apraxia - pull up "autism and apraxia" on the internet and you'll find confusion. How can one tell sometimes. In order to diagnosis apraxia there must be a certain amount of speech. It certainly is possible because autism can coexist with anything and the neurological aspects are strong. I would try some oral motor exercises with the child. These are good for focus, oral motor exercise, following directions, facial expression, and fun. Try Tongue Tracks from AliMed at http://www.alimed.com/tongue-tracks.html

Thanks for all of your eager questions, Judy.

Does Skinners  Verbal Behavior intervention work with children on the spectrum.  Should you demand they speak.  How do you know when apraxia is causing the lack of a response.