Chaining in ABA: Definition, Types & Examples

Key Points:

• Chaining in ABA involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps and teaching them sequentially.
• There are different types of chaining techniques, including forward chaining, backward chaining, and total task chaining.
• Chaining helps improve skill acquisition by reinforcing each step in a process, leading to the completion of the overall task.

Learning new skills can be challenging, especially when they involve multiple steps. Chaining in ABA is a technique that breaks down complex tasks into smaller steps, making them easier to master. This method is particularly helpful for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delays. In this article, we’ll explore what chaining in ABA is and provide real-world examples to show how this strategy can support skill development in therapy.

What is Chaining in ABA?

Chaining ABA definition refers to a method used in ABA therapy to teach complex behaviors by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Each step in a behavior chain is linked together, and the learner is reinforced for completing each step in the correct order.

Think of chaining as teaching someone to complete a task by taking one step at a time. For example, when teaching a child to wash their hands, the individual steps may include turning on the faucet, wetting the hands, applying soap, scrubbing the hands, rinsing, and drying them. Each of these steps can be reinforced until the child can complete the entire task independently.

What are the Types of Chaining in ABA?

There are three main types of chaining in ABA. Each method offers a unique approach to teaching complex tasks by breaking them down into manageable steps. Let's explore how these techniques work in practice.

1. Forward Chaining

Forward chaining is when you start teaching the first step of the task and proceed step-by-step until the entire task is learned. This technique is effective for tasks where the learner is more successful in starting from the beginning.

• How it Works: The learner starts with the first step, receives reinforcement after completing it, and then moves on to the second step, and so on, until the full task is mastered.
• Example: If teaching handwashing, you would first teach turning on the faucet and reward the child for doing so. After they master this, you would move on to the next step: wetting their hands. Each subsequent step is introduced only once the previous step is mastered.

Forward chaining is often preferred when the learner is already familiar with some steps of the task and just needs to learn how to complete the remaining ones.

2. Backward Chaining

In backward chaining, the last step of the task is taught first, and the learner is guided through the rest of the task in reverse order. This method is useful when the learner needs to experience success with completing the full task first, as the reinforcement for completing the final step is motivating.

• How it Works: The child starts by learning the final step and is reinforced for completing it. Then, the second-to-last step is taught, and reinforcement is given when it’s completed. This continues until the learner can complete the entire task on their own.
• Example: For the hand washing task, the learner would first be taught how to dry their hands, followed by rinsing, scrubbing, applying soap, wetting hands, and finally turning on the faucet. This method may provide more immediate reinforcement, especially for learners who struggle with initial steps.

Backward chaining works well for tasks where completing the final step results in immediate satisfaction, such as eating a meal, brushing teeth, or other self-care tasks.

3. Total Task Chaining

In total task chaining, the learner is taught the entire sequence of steps at once, receiving prompts and reinforcement along the way. This technique is often used for learners who are capable of handling the full task but may need extra support to perform all the steps correctly.

• How it Works: All steps in the task are taught in sequence, but the learner may receive prompts (physical or verbal) for steps that are difficult. The learner is reinforced when they complete the entire task.
• Example: The child is taught all the steps of handwashing simultaneously, but if they struggle with any specific part, they receive a prompt (like a gentle hand-over-hand prompt or a verbal cue). Once they complete the task, they are reinforced for completing the entire sequence correctly.

Total task chaining is ideal for learners who are familiar with the task but need help linking all the components together to create fluidity.

Chaining is typically used when there is a clear, step-by-step process that can be broken down into smaller components. Some specific scenarios where chaining is helpful include:

The beauty of chaining is that it can be applied to virtually any situation where a learner needs to complete a sequence of actions. The goal is to make tasks easier to learn by focusing on one small step at a time.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Partner with New Dawn ABA for Support

Chaining is an effective and powerful tool in ABA therapy to help children master complex skills by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Whether using forward chaining, backward chaining, or total task chaining, this technique provides a structured, effective way to teach a variety of tasks—from daily living skills to academic tasks. By reinforcing each step, children gain confidence and independence, ultimately leading to more successful skill acquisition.

At New Dawn ABA, we are here to guide your child through this learning process with personalized ABA therapy. Our experienced team uses strategies like chaining to help children develop the skills they need to succeed. If you’re in Missouri, Colorado, or nearby areas, contact us today to find out how our ABA therapy services can support your child’s growth and development!