In ABA therapy, shaping and chaining are both strategies used to teach new skills, but they work in different ways.
Shaping is about gradually building a behavior by reinforcing small steps toward the goal. For example, if a child is learning to say “water,” a therapist might first reinforce any sound they make, then closer approximations like “wa,” until they can say the full word. Shaping is useful when the skill doesn’t yet exist and needs to be developed step by step.
Chaining, on the other hand, is about breaking down a complex task into smaller, teachable parts. Each step is taught in sequence until the full behavior is mastered. For instance, brushing teeth can be broken into steps: picking up the toothbrush, applying toothpaste, brushing, rinsing, and putting items away. The therapist helps the child link each step together until they can complete the entire routine.
In short: shaping builds a new skill, while chaining teaches a sequence of skills. Both are essential tools in helping children with autism gain independence.
At True Progress Therapy, we use evidence-based strategies like shaping and chaining to help children thrive.
Contact us today to see how our ABA therapy in New Jersey can support your child’s growth.
SOURCES:
https://psychcentral.com/pro/child-therapist/2020/02/shaping-chaining-task-analysis-with-an-example-from-everyday-life
https://passthebigabaexam.com/dana-dos-clearing-up-the-confusion-over-shaping-and-chaining/
https://knappcenter.org/Website/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Topic-4_Shaping-and-Chaining.pdf
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/shaping-in-aba/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10050503/
