The power of the mand: Utilizing the mand repertoire to decrease problem behavior.

Abstract

The acquisition of a competent manding repertoire can present a challenge for a typically developing child with verbal behavior; it can be even more cumbersome for a child with autism who is effectively vocally nonverbal. Minshawi et al. (2014) recognized that the side effects of language delays, such as self-injurious behavior (SIB), must also be addressed because of the high correlation between SIB and a limited vocal verbal repertoire. The present study examined the relationship between SIB and a manding repertoire with 2 methods of communication. The participant of the present study was a 12-year-old boy who received direct, 1-on-1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, emphasizing the development of the verbal repertoire. The study focused on 2 goals: establishing an effective manding repertoire while decreasing SIB. The subject began the study using PECS as his primary communication system, adaptive sign language was introduced as a secondary method of communication. The results suggest a correlation between an increased verbal repertoire and the decrease of SIB.