The VB MAPP is an incredible tool that’s has helped guide many practitioners to effective and efficient teaching procedures for children with learning disabilities and challenges. The VB MAPP stands for Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program. This curriculum breaks down language and behavior into milestones. This developmental breakdown generates from ages 0-36 months, which is about 3 years old and describes them using the Verbal Operants. Tact, Mand, Echoic, Intraverbal, Receptive and Social/Play. Want more information on the VB-MAPP? Click the link and find out more!
Though the VB-MAPP is an effective tool it’s one of many curriculums and assessment tools used to help guide treatment and programs such as ABLLS-R ,PEAK and Essentials for Living (EFL).
The VB MAPP isn’t a “one size fits all” program.
Clients who use the EFL are clients who probably won’t acquire many skills in a less restrictive environment. These children are the ones who will benefit most from learning how to be successful in THEIR environment. When you choose the EFL you choose functional skills over developmental and I’m also not imply that you don’t need both. However, take Timmy’s story into consideration….
Timmy Tuner is a 5 year boy who scored a 27 out of 190 on the VB MAPP has physical impairments that restrict ability to use fine motor skills and some gross motor actions such as jumping and low motivation for tangible play items. Timmy enjoys engaging in stereotypy (or stimming) as well as watching videos on his iPad.
Sound familiar?
In addition to these skill deficits maintenance of skills over a period of time can decrease if they aren’t programmed in for opportunity. Essentially this means one day they may know how to engage in a particular behavior or follow a direction and in a week, if not rehearsed, the skill will not be maintained.
As a Clinician…
Go straight to the EFL! Essentials for Living this tool is for kids just like Timmy turner who may not have the developmental skills to excel in a less restrictive classroom, but can excel in the maintenance of everyday life such as stopping when told to “stop” initiating and being independent in the bathroom. Making the bad, taking showers, taking clothes on and of and brushing teeth etc.
Parents
Every parent wants their child to live their BEST possible life and we, as clinicians, do too! The reality is, is that sometimes their best life, looks different than the kid next door. It might not include counting by 2’s but it could include making purchases at the store with a credit card.
They may never use vocal language, but they’re in a position to communication their wants and needs using a device or sign language.
Have you heard about the EFL? Dr. Carbone has a 3 hour seminar that will have you using it like a pro.
Roots Behavior & Learning 