What is a Mand in ABA Therapy?
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a mand is a type of verbal operant where a person makes a request for something they want or need. The term was coined by B.F. Skinner and is derived from the word “command” or “demand.”
Mands are crucial for language development and communication skills. They are often one of verbal operants taught in ABA therapy, especially for children with autism, because they are directly connected to the learner’s motivation and building blocks to teach effective communication. Teaching a child to mand can empower them to communicate their needs, whether they are asking for a toy, a break, or attention.
- For example, if a child says “cookie” when they want a cookie, that is a mand.
- It is reinforced when the cookie is given in response.
- This reinforces communication and reduces frustration or interfering behavior caused by an inability to express needs.
Manding plays a foundational role in the development of language and is often a key focus in early intervention ABA programs.
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Examples of Mands in ABA Therapy
Example 1: Requesting a Tangible Item
A Behavior Technician presents a preferred toy just out of reach. The child says, “car.” The therapist immediately gives the car. This exchange is a mand: the child wanted the car, asked for it, and received it.
Example 2: Asking for Help
A child is trying to open a snack container but cannot. They sign or say, “help.” The Behavior Technician responds by opening the container. This mand is based on the child’s motivation to access the snack.
Example 3: Requesting Attention
During a quiet activity, a child taps their Behavior Technician and says, “look at me!” This mand functions to get social attention.
Manding helps replace interrupting behaviors like crying, hitting, or tantrums by teaching more appropriate and functional communication skills.
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Why Are Mands Important in ABA Therapy?
Mands are important in ABA therapy because they are often the first type of verbal behavior targeted in ABA programs and they are naturally reinforcing. When a child makes a request and receives what they asked for, learning happens quickly.
Targeting mands has several benefits:
- Encourages spontaneous language
- Reduces interfering behaviors by replacing them with functional communication
- Helps build rapport and trust between the Behavior Technician and child
- Leads to improvements in other areas of verbal behavior, like tacts (labeling) and intraverbals (conversational language)
Teaching mands is especially effective when therapists pair it with preference assessments to identify what motivates the child.
FAQs About Mands in ABA Therapy
What is a mand in verbal behavior?
A mand is a request made based on a person’s motivation. In ABA, it is a foundational verbal behavior used to teach functional communication.
Why are mands taught first in ABA therapy?
Mands are taught first because they can elevate frustration, reduce interfering behaviors, are directly tied to motivation and are naturally reinforced, making them easier and quicker for learners to acquire.
What is the difference between a mand and a tact?
A mand is a request for something wanted or needed, while a tact is a label or comment about something in the environment. For example, saying “cookie” to get a cookie is a mand; saying “cookie” when seeing one is a tact.
Can nonverbal children mand?
Yes. Mands can be taught through sign language, communication devices, or picture exchange systems (PECS), making them accessible to children with limited or no speech.
How does manding reduce interfering behavior?
Manding gives children a way to communicate their needs, reducing frustration and the likelihood of interfering behaviors like tantrums or aggression.
Key Takeaways: What is a Mand in ABA Therapy?
- A mand is a request based on motivation and is one of the first verbal operants taught in ABA.
- Mands can be spoken, signed, or conveyed using alternative communication tools.
- Teaching mands can improve communication and reduce interfering behavior.
- Mand training is personalized, reinforcing, and supported by clinical evidence.
