What is the primary purpose of mand training in children with autism?

Mand training focuses on teaching children with autism to effectively communicate their wants and needs. The primary purpose of mand training is to encourage verbal expressions in a functional way, which enhances social interaction and supports verbal engagement. By promoting mands, or requests, individuals learn to communicate their desires in appropriate contexts, ultimately fostering better interactions with peers and caregivers.

Through mand training, children are encouraged to express themselves more clearly, which not only improves their communication skills but also contributes to more effective social engagement. Enhancing verbal interactions is crucial as it can lead to increased meaningful communication within various environments, such as home and school, thereby improving overall social skills and relationships.

While labeling sensory experiences, decreasing escape and avoidance behaviors, and enhancing fine motor skills are important aspects of a child’s development, they do not align as directly with the primary focus and outcome of mand training, which is centered around effective communication and social engagement.