In ABA therapy, a “mand” refers to a type of verbal behavior that involves making a request or demand. This is a behavior that we all use daily to communicate our wants and needs with everyone around us. For example, when an adult, child or client says, “I want a cookie,” they are making a mand for a cookie. Mand training focuses on teaching individuals to use words or other forms of communication to share these needs successfully and appropriately with others.

This technique dramatically improves the autistic person’s ability to communicate by teaching the individual how to make needs and requests known to others. By learning to make requests, the autistic person gains greater control over their environment and can have their needs met. This skill can significantly enhance quality of life by reducing the emotional distress that can occur in the individual and others when they are unable to communicate their needs effectively.

The application of mand training includes motivating or rewarding desired communication behaviors with objects, such as a favorite snack, toy, or activity. These items can reinforce the person’s request for their needs and encourage the desired communication method to occur again in the future. Learning a new way to do things can sometimes be uncomfortable and strenuous, especially with individuals with ASD, so using things that the individual enjoys makes skill acquisition a fun and an enjoyable journey for all parties involved!

Some benefits of mand training include, but are not limited to:

• Enhanced Communication: The primary benefit is improved communication skills, enabling individuals with autism to express their needs and desires effectively.
• Reduced Frustration and Challenging Behaviors: When individuals with autism can communicate their needs, they are less likely to exhibit challenging behaviors born out of distress and frustration.
• Increased Independence: By learning to make requests, individuals with autism become more independent and self-reliant, as they no longer need to rely on others to interpret their needs.
• Better Social Interactions: Effective communication fosters better interactions with peers, family members, and caregivers, leading to stronger social relationships.

This ABA therapy method can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines and activities. For instance, during snack time, parents can encourage their child to request specific foods or drinks. In a classroom setting, teachers can use mand training to help students ask for help or request materials. By embedding mand training into everyday activities, individuals receive consistent practice, reinforcing their skills in a naturalistic manner and generalizing the skill across every avenue of life.

In summary, mand training can be a powerful and effective method for teaching individuals with communication challenges to express their needs and desires. Focusing on the fundamental skill of making requests opens up new avenues for independence, reduces frustration, and enhances overall quality of life for people with autism, their parents, caregivers, and educators. Incorporating this technique into daily routines can make a profound difference, unlocking the door to better communication and a brighter future.

Works Cited

Cooper, John O., Timothy E. Heron, and William L. Heward. Applied Behavior Analysis. 2nd ed., Pearson, 2007.

Sundberg, Mark L., and James W. Partington. “Teaching Mands: The Analysis of Verbal Behavior.” Analysis of Verbal Behavior, vol. 6, no. 1, 1988, pp. 2-9.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. “About Behavior Analysis.” BACB, www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/. Accessed 30 June 2024.

Autism Speaks. “ABA Therapy: An Introduction.” Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org/aba-therapy. Accessed 30 June 2024.