How Can Behavior Chaining Help My Child with Autism

In ABA therapy, the term “chaining” refers to a technique of breaking a task down into the individual steps required for mastery. Each step is taught in succession and is reinforced after every successful completion. The two most common types of chaining are forward chaining and backward chaining. 

In chaining, a task like washing one’s hands could be broken down into the following steps:

1 - Turn on the water

2 - Wet hands

3 - Dispense soap onto hand

4 - Scrub hands with soap

5 - Rinse hands

6 - Turn off water

7 - Dry hands

To practice forward chaining with a child with autism, the therapist or parent would teach the child how to turn on the water. Teaching and practicing the subsequent steps would only continue when turning on the water has been mastered. Then turning on the water and wetting one’s hands would be taught and practiced in a chain until those two steps were mastered, and the chain would continue moving forward step by step. An important component to remember is that completion of each new link in the chain should be reinforced with positive reinforcement throughout the process. 

An example of backward chaining would be starting to teach and practice the handwashing process from the last step. In this example, the parent or therapist would support the child through turning on the water, getting the soap, scrubbing, rinsing, and turning off the water. The child would only be expected to master the final step of drying their own hands independently. Once this step is solidified, they would become responsible for both turning off the water and drying their hands. This process would continue, working backwards until the entire task can be completed independently. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of chaining is better, forward chaining or backward chaining?

Each type of chaining has its merits. Forward chaining provides the child a clear starting point. It lets them taste success early and can help them build confidence in their ability to do a task on their own. By making steps small and achievable, backward chaining also builds confidence. Backward chaining has the added benefit of reducing frustrations and providing repeated modeling of the entire process, as the child receives support on all the unpracticed links in the chain up to the target skill.

What should I do if my child is completely stuck on one of the steps in the chain?

There are many reasons that a child may become stuck on a link in the chain. Like everything else in ABA therapy, chaining requires analysis–of the behavior and of the task itself. Consider the way the task has been broken down. Perhaps the steps of the task need to be revised in some way. Perhaps you can offer a different type of prompting. Try reinforcing any behavior that is even a step in the right direction. Reach out to your child’s therapist to get their expert advice on how to proceed when your child with autism hits a roadblock with chaining. 

Should I still attempt chaining if my child already knows how to do many of the steps in a task but just needs help with one or two?

This is actually a great time to use the strategy of “total task chaining.” If your child can accomplish most of a task on their own but needs help with one or two tricky parts, let them do everything they can independently, and help only with the steps in which they require support. Providing too much support may be counterproductive, but this type of chaining can still be beneficial. 

Positive Reinforcement provides in-home ABA therapy throughout  Northern Virginia, including Ashburn, Purcellville, Leesburg, Sterling, Winchester, Woodbridge, and neighboring communities. Our family-centered ABA programs focus on building communication, social, and daily living skills through individualized treatment plans delivered directly in your home. Families across the region can explore our ABA therapy services.