Mand
A request for something, motivated by what the speaker wants or needs.
A mand is a verbal operant where the speaker asks for something they need or want. It is the only type of verbal behaviour that directly benefits the speaker. Saying 'Water' because you feel thirsty is a mand.
You typically teach mands first in early intervention because they give the learner immediate control over their environment. This directly replaces challenging behaviours that serve the exact same communicative function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mand in ABA?
A mand is a verbal operant where the speaker requests something they want or need. It is the only verbal operant that directly benefits the speaker. Saying 'water' because you are thirsty is a mand.
What is the difference between a mand and a tact?
A mand is controlled by what the speaker wants (saying 'water' when thirsty); a tact is controlled by what the speaker perceives (saying 'water' when shown a glass). The same word can function as either.
Can you give a mand example?
Asking 'Can I have a break?', pointing to a snack, or signing 'more' are all mands — each is a request driven by motivation that produces something the speaker wants.
Why are mands taught first?
Mands give a learner immediate control over their environment and directly replace challenging behaviour that serves the same communicative function, which is why they are usually targeted first in early intervention.