Welcome

In this episode, I dive into a foundational 2018 study by Valentino and colleagues on using a brief prerequisite skills assessment to guide mand‐training modality selection. If you’ve ever wondered whether to start with vocal mands, sign mands, or picture exchange, this episode is for you. We cover:

• Why prerequisite assessments matter
• How Valentino et al. structured their study
• Key findings and clinical takeaways
• How to apply it in your practice today

1. Why I Chose This Article

• Writing goals without verifying readiness wastes time and resources.
• A quick prerequisite assessment can guide efficient modality selection.
• Applicable across many skill domains—social, self-care, job skills.

2. Key Terms and Concepts

• Prerequisite Skills: Behaviors necessary for new learning (e.g., imitation, matching).
• Mand Modalities: PECS, sign language, vocal mands.
• MOs and EOs: Motivating and establishing operations per Jack Michael (2000).
• Alternating Treatment Design: Used to compare mand modalities across participants.

3. Articles Referenced

1. Valentino et al. (2018) – Prerequisite skills assessment for mand modality selection
2. Michael, J. (2000) – Establishing operations in verbal behavior programs
3. Skinner (1957) – Verbal Behavior
4. Sundberg & Michael (2001) – Direct–results mand training benefits

4. Episode Timeline

• 0:00 – 5:30: Clinical rationale and overview
• 5:30 – 9:00: Study methods and participant info
• 9:00 – 13:00: Definitions and assessment details
• 13:00 – 15:00: Key findings by modality
• 15:00 – 22:00: Practical application and caregiver collaboration
• 22:00 – 24:00: Final thoughts and CEU info

5. Why Prerequisite Assessments Matter

• Efficiency: A 15-minute assessment saves weeks of trial-and-error.
• Data-Driven: Objective data guides modality selection.
• Caregiver Buy-In: Clear skill sequence builds trust.
• Flexibility: Useful across domains like social and vocational skills.

6. How I Use This Study

1. Use the 5-item assessment at intake.
2. Sequence goals by level (Prerequisites → Intermediate → Terminal).
3. Dedicate early sessions to assessing readiness.
4. Recheck the checklist if progress stalls.
5. Share data with interdisciplinary teams.

7. Other Essential Reads

• Sundberg & Michael (2001) – Direct–results mand training
• Carr & Durand (1985) – Functional communication training
• Piazza et al. (1996) – Functional analysis of problem behavior

8. Recommended Action Steps

1. Download the 5-item assessment and try it.
2. Map unmet prerequisites for one client.
3. Add prerequisite goals to treatment plans.
4. Collect data for 2–3 sessions before progressing.
5. Share results with your team to align efforts.

9. Links & Resources

• Valentino et al. (2018) Full Article
• Jack Michael (2000) – Establishing Operations
• BehavioristBookClub.com – CEU Subscription
• Sample Prerequisite Assessment Form (Google Doc)
• Mand Training Protocol Templates

10. Final Reflections

If you found value in this episode, please leave a review, share it with a colleague, and apply these insights to your next program design. By identifying and addressing prerequisite skills, you’ll help learners achieve meaningful goals faster and with fewer roadblocks.

—Matt Harrington, Host, The Behaviorist Book Club