What is a major reason impaired mand repertoires are concerning?

Impaired mand repertoires are particularly concerning because they hinder communication. Mands are requests or demands that individuals make to express their needs or desires. When someone has a limited ability to mand, they struggle to effectively convey their wants, leading to frustration and potentially challenging behaviors. This lack of communication can also inhibit social interactions and connections with others, as the individual is unable to express themselves adequately. Enhancing mand skills can facilitate better social engagement and improve overall quality of life, making the ability to communicate one’s needs essential. In contrast, options that suggest mand impairments do not affect social skills or lead to positive or emotional developments do not address this core issue of lost communication.