Chaining

Chaining is a way to teach a skill with several steps, such as brushing teeth or making food. First, the skill is broken into small steps through a task analysis. Then each step is taught with prompts and reinforcement until your child can link the steps into one routine.

Your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) picks the method. Forward chaining teaches the first step first and adds steps in order, while backward chaining starts with the last step and works back. In total task chaining, your child practices every step each time, with help where needed. One study found children didn't learn faster with either forward or backward chaining in a consistent way. So if one method isn't working, the team can try another.

In one study, toothbrushing was split into twelve steps, starting with turning on the tap and picking up the toothbrush. Your child's Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) carries out the chaining in sessions. Progress is often tracked as the share of steps your child does without help. Chaining has also been used to help children repeat longer words and phrases.

• Which method and why: Ask which chaining method your BCBA chose for each skill and how they'll know it's working.
• The steps at home: Ask for the written list of steps so you can practice the routine the same way at home.
• If progress stalls: Ask what the team will change if your child gets stuck, since children differ in which method works best.