Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically validated approach used primarily with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to improve specific behaviors. One of the key techniques used within ABA is shaping. It's a method used to teach a new behavior by rewarding and encouraging small steps that get closer to the final desired behavior.
What is Shaping?
Shaping in ABA is the process of reinforcing small steps towards a target behavior. Rather than expecting the entire behavior to emerge all at once, shaping rewards the small steps or efforts as they happen.This ensures that individuals, especially those who find a task challenging, can build up necessary skills over time.
Four Shaping Techniques:
1. Differential Reinforcement
This means giving rewards for getting closer to the desired behavior and not giving rewards for less accurate attempts. (Think of the children's game "Hot and Cold" where one person hides an object, and the others get verbal clues like "hot" when they get closer to it and "cold" when they move away)
2. Successive Approximations:
Break the behavior down into smaller steps and reinforce each step as the individual achieves it.
3. Prompting
Give hints or cues to guide the individual towards the desired behavior. These prompts can be gradually faded as the individual becomes more proficient.
4. Task Analysis
This involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. It allows therapists to identify which parts of the behavior the individual already knows and which parts need shaping.
When Should You Not Use Shaping?
Shaping may not be the best approach in the following scenarios:
- When the Individual Already Exhibits the Desired Behavior
If the behavior already occurs at a satisfactory level, there’s no need to shape it.
- For Behaviors That Need Immediate Change
If a behavior poses a danger or risk, it might be necessary to use other techniques that produce quicker results.
- If Other Methods Are More Efficient
Sometimes, other
techniques, like modeling or full physical guidance, might be more effective or efficient.
What is Chaining?
Chaining is another crucial concept in ABA. It involves teaching a sequence of behaviors that need to be performed in a specific order to achieve a particular goal. For example, the sequence of actions needed to brush one's teeth—opening the toothpaste, squeezing it onto the brush, brushing in a certain pattern, rinsing, etc.—can be taught using chaining.
Difference Between Forward Chaining and Shaping in ABA
Forward Chaining: This method involves teaching the sequence of behaviors in the order they occur. Using the tooth brushing example, the individual would first be taught to open the toothpaste. Once they master that step, they would be taught to squeeze it onto the brush, and so on.
Shaping: Shaping focuses on reinforcing closer and closer approximations to a single desired behavior rather than teaching a sequence of behaviors.
In essence, while shaping focuses on a single behavior and its successive approximations, forward chaining teaches a sequence of behaviors in the order they need to occur.
Conclusion
Both shaping and chaining are vital tools in ABA therapy. They offer structured, flexible, and positive approaches to teaching new behaviors or sequences of behaviors. By understanding and effectively applying these techniques, therapists can help individuals with ASD and other developmental disorders master essential skills and routines for daily living.
