During mand training, if an item is visible to the child, what should the therapist do?

When an item is visible to the child during mand training, the most effective approach is to reinforce the child through giving the item or providing praise after they make a request. This strategy supports the fundamental principle of manding, which emphasizes that a mand is a verbal request made by the individual to obtain something they want or need.

In this context, when the item is clearly visible and the child expresses a desire for it (whether through a verbal statement, sign, or other forms of communication), immediately responding by providing the item or verbal acknowledgment serves to strengthen the child's understanding of the functional use of language. The direct reinforcement aligns with the goal of mand training, which is to increase the child's ability to communicate their needs effectively.

Positive reinforcement, such as giving the item or using praise, encourages the child to continue to engage in manding. It builds the association between making a request and receiving a desired item, enhancing the likelihood that the child will become more proficient in expressing their wants in the future. This helps develop their communication skills and fosters independence in their ability to obtain resources.

Other options do not support this principle. Ignoring the child would miss the opportunity to reinforce their attempt to communicate. Providing the item without prompting may not help the child learn