At Pathways 2 Potential, we are passionate about helping children develop functional communication skills. One of the most important skills we teach in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is manding—the ability to request desired items or actions. Teaching children to mand not only empowers them to get their needs met but also reduces frustration and challenging behaviors.
What is Manding?
Manding is a type of verbal behavior in which a person makes a request for something they want. This could be through spoken words, sign language, picture exchange (PECS), or a communication device. For example, if your child loves cookies, they may say, "cookie," sign "cookie," or hand over a picture of a cookie to receive one.
Why is Manding Important?
Many children with communication delays struggle to express their wants and needs, leading to frustration and problem behaviors. Teaching manding provides them with a functional way to communicate, increasing independence and improving their overall quality of life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Manding
Step 1: Identify Motivating Items
Start by finding out what excites and motivates your child. This could be favorite snacks, toys, or activities. Observe what they naturally reach for or enjoy the most. Some examples include:
Favorite foods (cookies, crackers, juice)
Preferred toys (bubbles, cars, dolls)
Activities (swinging, tickles, music)
Step 2: Create Opportunities to Mand
Once you've identified motivating items, set up situations where your child must request them. Instead of handing them the item immediately, wait for some form of communication.
Step 3: Model the Mand
If the child doesn’t spontaneously request, model the appropriate way to mand. For example, if they want a cookie, you can say, "Say ‘cookie,’" or prompt them to sign or use a picture card.
Step 4: Reinforce the Mand
When your child makes an attempt to mand, immediately reinforce their effort by giving them the item. If they attempt to say "cookie," even if it’s unclear, reward them with a cookie right away to strengthen the behavior.
Step 5: Expand and Shape the Mand
Once your child is consistently requesting, encourage more complex language. For example:
If they initially say "cookie," prompt "want cookie."
Later, expand to "I want a cookie, please."
Gradually introduce more details like "I want a chocolate chip cookie."
Step 6: Generalize the Skill
Teach manding in various settings with different people. Have grandparents, siblings, or teachers practice these requests throughout the day to ensure your child can use the skill outside of home or therapy sessions.
Common Challenges and Tips
My child isn’t motivated: Try new reinforcers or restrict access to highly preferred items outside of manding opportunities. For example: putting the tablet away for a couple days in a cabinet will make it even more interesting, and motivating to mand for!
My child gets frustrated: Ensure they are not being pushed too fast. Accept approximations and reinforce all attempts. Sometimes, we have to accept pointing or gesturing toward an item instead of any type of vocal or sign language. All communication is good communication!
My child has limited verbal skills: It is always encouraged to use alternative communication methods like PECS or a speech-generating device.
Teaching a child to mand is one of the most valuable skills we can provide as ABA professionals and caregivers. It opens the door to communication, reduces frustration, and fosters independence. At Pathways 2 Potential, we prioritize teaching functional communication to help children reach their full potential.
If you’re interested in learning more about manding strategies or need support with your child’s communication development, feel free to reach out to us!
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