What’s the Difference Between Shaping and Chaining in ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses evidence‑based strategies to help individuals with autism learn new skills. Two commonly used techniques are shaping and chaining, and while they both promote learning, they work in different ways.
Shaping involves reinforcing small steps toward a desired behavior. For example, if a child is learning to say “water,” the therapist may first reward attempts like “wa” or “wat,” gradually reinforcing closer approximations until the full word is achieved. Shaping is powerful for teaching skills that don’t yet exist or are difficult to perform.
Chaining, on the other hand, breaks a complex task into smaller, teachable steps. Each step is taught in sequence until the entire behavior is mastered. For instance, brushing teeth can be taught by reinforcing each step, picking up the toothbrush, applying toothpaste, brushing, rinsing, until the child can complete the whole routine independently.
Both methods build confidence and independence, but shaping focuses on gradual progress toward a single behavior, while chaining organizes multiple steps into a complete skill.
At Little Champs ABA, we are serving families and we design ABA team therapy plans in Utah and Colorado that use shaping and chaining to help children thrive.
Discover how our team can support your child’s growth through ethical, evidence‑based ABA therapy. Schedule your free consultation today!
SOURCE:
https://asdnetwork.unl.edu/virtual-strategies/chaining/
https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/applied-behavior-analysis.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3251282/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaping_(psychology)
https://my.cleelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25197-applied-behavior-analysis