What is the function of a mand in a child's communication?

A mand serves the specific function of allowing a child to request something they desire or need. In the context of communication, mands are vital because they express a child’s wants or needs directly, using either verbal or non-verbal means. For example, when a child says "juice" while pointing to a drink, they are using a mand to express their desire for juice. This ability to communicate wants effectively is a crucial part of developing functional communication skills and serves to help meet the child’s needs in their environment.

Mands differ from other forms of communication, such as comments or conversational exchanges, as they are typically directed towards getting a specific response or fulfilling a specific need. In contrast, commenting on the environment involves making observations without necessarily expecting a direct action in response, which does not align with the primary goal of a mand. Repeating another person's words represents echolalia and does not serve a purpose of requesting, while following an action command is about responding to directions rather than initiating a request. Thus, the core purpose of a mand focuses squarely on requesting something the child wants.