Behavioral momentum

Behavioral momentum, in everyday applied behavior analysis (ABA), is a teaching strategy. Your child gets a few quick, easy requests they're very likely to do, with praise after each one. Then the harder request comes right away. A national review of autism practices says this order lets learners earn rewards sooner and stay engaged with harder tasks. Behavior analysts call the easy ones high-probability requests.

The name comes from a broader theory. Behavior that has been rewarded often in a setting tends to keep going, even when things change. Behavior analysts also use the theory to understand why problem behavior can come back. A 2026 Medicaid toolkit notes concerns about ABA, including that it may focus on rewarding compliance over a child's own choices.

Before a harder request, you might ask your child for a high five and then to touch their nose, praising each one. Then you ask for the harder thing right away. Timing matters here. The effect depends on the harder request coming close behind the easy ones. No source sets a fixed number of easy requests, so your child's team plans what fits. The strategy can be used for school, social, communication and behavior goals.

• Where it's used: Ask your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) which goals use easy requests before harder ones.
• Fading it out: Ask how the team will cut back the easy requests as your child learns.
• Using it at home: Ask whether parent training will show you how to time the requests at home.