Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition: Core Concepts and Principles for Practitioners

Written by leading experts in language and cognition, this groundbreaking behaviour analysis textbook brings the study of verbal behaviour into the 21st century with cutting-edge research. Students and clinicians in the burgeoning field of applied behaviour analysis will find the theoretical foundation they need to effectively help the increasingly diverse clients seeking their services. The origins of behaviour analysis can be traced to the pioneering work of B.F. Skinner. Skinner's fundamental insights into how human behaviour is shaped, maintained and can be changed were powerful and far-reaching. Some of Skinner's most innovative contributions were in the study of language. Behaviour analytic work in the area of language and cognition did not stop with Skinner, however. Indeed, Skinner's work in this area has inspired considerable expansion, particularly with an eye toward more sophisticated verbal and cognitive repertoires.

This important volume provides an overview of the concepts and core behavioural processes involved in language and
cognition. You'll find a deeper exploration of complex linguistic and cognitive skills, including generative responding,
learning by observation, and perspective taking. Also included are clinically supported interventions based in mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and emotion regulation to help clients improve complex language, social, and academic skills. The future of behaviour analysis is here. With its focus on the importance of language and cognition, this textbook is a must-read for anyone studying or practising in the science of behaviour.

Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, PhD, is professor of behaviour analysis and therapy at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
She holds doctoral and master's degrees in psychology from the University of Nevada and a bachelor's degree in
psychology from the University of Puget Sound. She is also a board-certified behaviour analyst.
Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, is program director of the Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis program at the
University of Southern California, as well as director of research at FirstSteps for Kids. Tarbox is the incoming editor of
the journal Behaviour Analysis in Practice and serves on the editorial boards of five major scientific journals related to
autism and behaviour analysis. He has published four books on autism treatment and well over 70 peer-reviewed journal
articles and chapters in scientific texts. His research focuses on behavioural interventions for teaching complex skills to
individuals with autism, treatment of feeding disorders and technology in autism treatment. He is a frequent presenter at
autism and ABA conferences worldwide and a regular guest on television and radio.
Mitch Fryling, PhD, is associate professor in the applied behaviour analysis programs at California State University, Los
Angeles. He has authored and coauthored several scholarly publications, primarily in the area of behavioural theory and
philosophy, especially as it pertains to complex human behaviour and system development in behaviour analysis. Fryling has also served as a reviewer, editorial board member and associate editor for various behavioural journals and is the
incoming editor of The Psychological Record.
Linda J. Hayes, PhD, is Distinguished International Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. There she co-founded the behaviour analysis program in the department of psychology and served as its director for more than a decade. She founded and directs the department's Satellite Programs in Behaviour Analysis. Hayes is a fellow of the Association for Behaviour Analysis International and has served two terms as its president. She is best known for her work in behaviour theory and philosophy.