ABSTRACT
There are several important prerequisites that are necessary for success in using the Complete the Puzzle framework. In some cases, these skills will need to be taught with intensive ABA instruction. Sundberg and Partington cited research showing sign language to be an effective mode of communication for nonverbal children. The Verbal Behavior or Applied Verbal Behavior approach is a highly prescriptive teaching process that includes the use of principles of ABA strategies to teach language skills. The focus of the AVB approach is to develop verbal skills; however, for children who do not have vocal imitation skills, sign language is often used as a bridge to shape verbal language. Vary the opportunities to echo, and, and tact with easy-to-follow directions with fun toys and with motor imitation with fun objects (e.g., beating a drum, ringing bells, pushing buttons on toys that make sounds).
