Tact

Tact is a verbal behavior term. A tact is the ability to label or describe an item without prompting through the use of a stimulus. For example, a learner can tact if they can label the color of a ball if the ball is present. The stimulus in tacting is non-verbal, (i.e., visual, tactile, etc.) Tacting can range from an individual pointing out something they see to labeling (identifying) an emotion felt by the speaker.

Tantrum

A tantrum (also known as a temper tantrum) is a willful behavior (e.g., stomping, screaming, shouting, throwing oneself to the ground) that is impacted by rewards. Tantrums are goal-oriented, and a child typically has a tantrum related to a “want” that isn’t being fulfilled. Children outgrow tantrums, although the age at which this happens depends on the response they perceive when displaying tantrums. It is important to note that tantrums are purposeful behaviors which are not the same as meltdowns. Meltdowns associated with ASD are generally related to a trigger (e.g., sensory overload) and are not purposeful. If you are unsure whether your child’s behavior is a tantrum, ask yourself some of the following questions:

• Is my child’s behavior the result of a declined request for an item, attention, etc.? If yes, this may be a tantrum. 
• Did my child’s behavior calm down when I granted the request (for an item, attention, etc.)? If yes, this is probably a tantrum. 
• Did my child’s behavior pass rather quickly, and / or was my child able to resume their day relatively soon thereafter? If yes, this is probably a tantrum. 

Further information for understanding a tantrum is available here.

Target Behavior

Target behavior is the behavior of interest that a caregiver or therapist is trying to increase or decrease. There may be multiple target behaviors being addressed simultaneously, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Task Analysis

Task analysis is an approach to help individuals with ASD learn functional tasks, such as hand washing.This approach breaks down the task into multiple sequential steps and each step involved in the task can be learned individually. Reinforcement can be provided after each step is mastered. After a step has been mastered, the next step can be taught and linked with the previous step via chaining. This process of linking the steps is continued until the individual has learned the entire sequence of steps.

Task Reduction

Task reduction refers to the process of reducing the demands put upon the individual in an effort to avoid or decrease frustration levels.

Token Economy

Token economy is a method of behavior reinforcement. It provides motivation for a child after a target behavior or task is achieved by providing a reward or another form of reinforcement (aka, a “token”) to signal to the child that they have displayed a desired behavior or completed a task. Tokens can be tangible items, such as stickers or a treat or non-tangible items, such as verbal praise. 

Transition

The term transition may refer to changes from one activity or setting to another, such as transitioning from a preferred play activity to a non-preferred work activity. Transitions are typically very challenging for individuals with ASD, particularly unplanned or abrupt transitions.

Variable Interval (VI)

Variable interval (or VI) describes a schedule of reinforcement where a response is rewarded after a variable or unpredictable amount of time (as opposed to a fixed interval schedule of reinforcement where the response is rewarded after a fixed or predictable amount of time). For example, if the individual has a VI of 2-3 minutes, that means that between every 2 and 3 minutes they contact reinforcement.

Variable Ratio (VR)

Variable ratio (or VR) describes a partial schedule of reinforcement using counts of actions where an average number of desired responses must occur before reinforcement is provided.The number of desired responses is not fixed, it is unpredictable and it varies around the average. For example, if the individual has a variable ratio of 4-6, that means that the individual contacts reinforcement between every 4th and 6th response.

VB-MAPP Assessment

The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (often referred to as VB-MAPP Assessment) is an assessment and curriculum tool created by Dr. Mark Sundberg. This tool focuses on verbal/language assessment to get a comprehensive snapshot of verbal abilities, strengths, and deficits. Domains include manding, intraverbals, echoics, etc.

Verbal Behavior (VB)

Verbal Behavior (or VB) therapy is a type of ABA treatment based on the works of B.F. Skinner that focuses on understanding and teaching language as a behavior. In VB therapy, words are connected to their purpose or function.

Verbal vs. Vocal

When people use the terms verbal or vocal they typically mean a learner can talk in order to communicate. However, the behavior analytic term for spoken communication is vocal, not verbal. In behavior analytic terms, verbal can be any form of communication, such as sign language or gesturing. On the other hand, in behavior analytic terms, vocal is speech/vocalizations used to communicate.