Question
After the initial stage of teaching manding (requesting) to a child, what should I do if the manding becomes an escape strategy? For example, the child wants a break so “cookie” is requested multiple times to get away from the task.
Answer
When we are working with the early learner, we have to be cognizant that when they want a cookie, as an example, we are giving little bits of the cookie, which goes with the concept of “be a giver, not a taker.” We want to give little portions of things. I am not giving the child an entire cookie. If I give a little bit of a cookie and they eat it, then the natural consequence is for the child to think, “I want more cookie so I am going to ask for it again.” We have to understand when we are working with an early learner, increasing their communication is the most important thing that we are working on so it is okay that they are requesting multiple times.
Rosemarie Griffin, M.A. CCC/SLP, BCBA is a licensed speech language pathologist and has been practicing for ten years. She has a strong background in behavioral management, administration of the ABLLS-R and VB-MAPP assessments, and utilizing verbal behavior to strengthen her client’s communication skills.
