Communication is the foundation everything else builds on. Verbal Behavior (VB) therapy uses ABA principles to teach your child not just words, but the power of language — how to request, label, answer questions, and have conversations.
Verbal Behavior (VB) therapy is an approach to communication based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of language. Instead of just teaching your child vocabulary words, VB teaches them the function of language — the reason behind every word.
In VB, language is broken down into functional categories: mands (requests), tacts (labels), echoics (repeating), and intraverbals (conversational responses). Your child doesn't just learn the word "cookie" — they learn to request a cookie when they want one, label a cookie when they see one, and answer "What do you eat for dessert?" with "cookie." Same word, three completely different skills.
VB therapy is part of ABA — it uses the same data-driven, individualized approach, with positive reinforcement at the center. It's especially powerful for children who are non-verbal, have limited language, or have words but don't use them to communicate effectively.
Parents often ask how verbal behavior therapy compares to speech therapy. The short answer: they focus on different things, and many children benefit from both.
Speech therapy typically focuses on the mechanics of speech — how your child produces sounds, articulation, oral motor skills, and speech clarity. A speech-language pathologist helps your child say words more clearly.
Verbal behavior therapy focuses on why your child communicates. It's less about pronunciation and more about motivation — teaching your child that language is a tool that gets them what they want and need. VB asks: Can your child request a drink when they're thirsty? Can they tell you what hurts when they're in pain? Can they answer a question about their day?
VB and speech therapy are complementary, not competing. Many of our families work with both a VB therapist and a speech-language pathologist, and we're happy to coordinate with your child's speech therapy team.
Whether your child has no words or many, VB can unlock the next level. Let's talk.
Free ConsultationVB sessions happen in your home, during your child's natural routines and play. Your therapist uses Natural Environment Teaching (NET) — creating opportunities for your child to communicate within activities they already enjoy. If your child loves trains, trains become the vehicle for learning to request, label, and describe.
Sessions also include structured teaching moments — quick, focused trials where your child practices specific skills with clear reinforcement. The balance between natural and structured teaching depends on your child's needs and learning style.
For children who are non-verbal or have very limited language, we may incorporate AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools — picture exchange systems, communication apps on tablets, or sign language. These tools don't replace speech; research shows they often help spoken language develop faster by reducing frustration and giving your child a way to communicate right now.
No, but they work beautifully together. Speech therapy focuses on the mechanics of speech — articulation, pronunciation, oral motor skills. VB focuses on the function of communication — teaching your child why and how to use language to get their needs met. Many children benefit from both, and we coordinate with your speech therapy team.
VB therapy is especially powerful for non-verbal children. We start wherever your child is — whether that's gestures, pictures, sign language, or a communication device. The goal is functional communication, and spoken words are just one way to get there. Many non-verbal children develop spoken language through VB therapy over time.
Yes, when appropriate. We incorporate AAC tools like communication apps, picture exchange systems, and sign language. Research shows that AAC doesn't prevent spoken language — it often supports and accelerates it by giving your child a way to communicate while building toward speech.
If your child struggles with any aspect of communication — requesting what they want, labeling things, answering questions, or having conversations — VB can help. During your free consultation, we'll assess your child's communication skills and recommend the right approach. Schedule a consultation →
When your child can tell you what they need, everything shifts. Let's find the right communication path for your family.
