A systematic review of derived verbal behavior research

Abstract

Practitioners in the field of autism treatment have historically been challenged by training complex language repertoires in individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, specifically when traditional training techniques have demonstrated a failure to promote a generalized repertoire. The inclusion of research from the field of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) may assist the practitioner in developing treatment targets that demonstrate measurable progress in language and cognitive skills. Since the call for a potential synthesis between Skinner's Verbal Behavior and RFT, there has been an increasing trend in publications on derived verbal behavior, with the majority of research articles focused on the intraverbal, often utilizing conditional discrimination training, and a near even split between using participants with a diagnosis of autism and those without any diagnoses. A summary of the research within the field of derived relational responding on each of Skinner's verbal operants is provided, followed by recommendations for practitioners.