Verbal Behavior Therapy

Verbal Behavior Therapy

🗣️ Verbal Behavior Therapy

Teaching Language with Purpose, Meaning, and Joy

At Smart ABA, we use Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) to help children become confident, purposeful communicators. Grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and inspired by the work of B.F. Skinner, our approach is enriched by a deep respect for each child’s autonomy, preferences, and unique learning style.

We believe that communication should be both functional and empowering—and that it should happen in a way that feels safe, engaging, and fun. That’s why our VBT sessions are built around a child-centered, assent-based philosophy, using play-based therapy to inspire participation, connection, and progress.

🔍 What Is Verbal Behavior?

Verbal behavior describes how individuals use language to get their needs met, share their thoughts, and connect with others. It’s not about how a child communicates (spoken words, signs, pictures, or AAC devices), but why—the function behind the communication.

Traditional language therapy often separates receptive and expressive language. VBT goes further by analyzing how language is used in everyday life, across four key verbal operants:

  • Mand – Requesting what is wanted or needed (e.g., “juice”)

  • Tact – Labeling or identifying things in the environment (e.g., “dog”)

  • Intraverbal – Responding to others or answering questions (e.g., “What’s your name?” → “Liam”)

  • Echoic – Repeating what is heard (e.g., “Say ‘book’” → “Book”)

By nurturing skills across all operants through playful, interactive experiences, we ensure a balanced and meaningful development of communication.

🎯 Our Goal

At Smart ABA, our goal is simple and powerful:
To help each child discover the joy of communication—in their own way, at their own pace.

Through natural play routines, interactive activities, and child-led engagement, we show children that using their voice—however it sounds—leads to connection, understanding, and positive outcomes. And with a strong emphasis on assent, we make sure children feel safe, respected, and motivated every step of the way.

Whether your child is asking for help, sharing a favorite toy, or joining a conversation, we’re here to support them in finding their voice—and using it with confidence and joy.