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Shaping in ABA
ABA therapy at Autism Services incorporates a variety of effective teaching methods that help children learn new skills and grow in confidence and independence along the way. Shaping is one of these methods.
Shaping involves a gradual approach to teaching a new skill. Starting with a simpler form of a skill that a child can more easily master, a child learns increasingly complex versions, ultimately learning and mastering the complete skill.
Successive approximations are a central idea in shaping. This simply refers to a child gradually learning a skill by mastering, one-by-one, approximations of that skill. It may help to look at an example.
A child may have the goal of learning to color in a coloring book. Picking up a crayon may be the first achievable skill for them. Having mastered this, the next step might be holding a crayon properly. Next might be making marks on a sheet of paper. Eventually, the child will learn to color in a shape in a coloring book.
Let’s explore how shaping can be broken down into three important stages.
Target Behavior Identification
At Advance Therapy Autism Services, our skilled Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) identify a skill that a child can benefit from learning. An example could be learning to tie their shoes. The BCBA would then work on a plan for teaching the child this skill using shaping.
Task Analysis and Step-by-Step Teaching
A skill is often broken down into smaller achievable steps to help a child learn it. This aspect of shaping is similar to task analysis, and the two really go hand-in-hand.
Reinforcement Strategies
Reinforcement refers to encouragement and other responses that help a child successfully learn a skill and integrate it consistently into appropriate situations. For instance, a kiddo learning to tie his shoe using shaping receives praise at each step along the way. A child learning to ask for a favorite toy may be rewarded with some time to play with the toy, thereby reinforcing this important communication skill.
In shaping, each closer approximation is reinforced, ensuring that a child transitions to the next approximation on the way to the complete skill.
By gradually learning important daily skills, children will develop a repertoire that enables them to be successful in the many tasks of life, from brushing their teeth to tying their shoes.
Skills like classroom participation, writing one’s name, and many more can be taught using shaping, making this effective approach a vital part of ABA therapy, especially in building school readiness.
Learning to engage socially can be challenging for children with autism. Shaping lets them experience increasing confidence as they gradually master important steps along the way to a full-fledged skill. Not only will they master something like engaging a peer in a game, but they’ll benefit from having many confidence-building achievements along the way.
There are some considerations and challenges to bear in mind when it comes to using shaping in ABA therapy. It does require close monitoring and a structured approach to ensure that it’s effective. The outcome is worth the effort, however, and our excellent RBTs can ensure shaping is used effectively.
It’s essential that shaping also be tailored to the needs, goals, and learning style of each child to ensure it is effective and beneficial for them.
If you’re ready to begin your ABA therapy journey, Advance Therapy is here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced and compassionate team is available to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you understand the best path forward for your child.
Contact us today, or give us a call at 519 771 4679.
parent & employee Testimonials
Advance therapy is the very best thing that has happened to my family this year our son has reached so many milestones with the help of the staff! Every staff member is so attentive to the needs of our son and so professional! These five stars are not enough to rate or appreciate them!
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
Advance therapy is the very best thing that has happened to my family this year our son has reached so many milestones with the help of the staff! Every staff member is so attentive to the needs of our son and so professional! These five stars are not enough to rate or appreciate them!
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
Advance therapy is the very best thing that has happened to my family this year our son has reached so many milestones with the help of the staff! Every staff member is so attentive to the needs of our son and so professional! These five stars are not enough to rate or appreciate them!
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
Advance therapy is the very best thing that has happened to my family this year our son has reached so many milestones with the help of the staff! Every staff member is so attentive to the needs of our son and so professional! These five stars are not enough to rate or appreciate them!
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
Advance therapy is the very best thing that has happened to my family this year our son has reached so many milestones with the help of the staff! Every staff member is so attentive to the needs of our son and so professional! These five stars are not enough to rate or appreciate them!
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
