Chaining Hand Washing - Autism Therapy Video

Summary

The script explains backward chaining, a method for teaching sequences of behaviors starting from the last action in the chain. Using the example of washing hands, the instructor prompts the student through each step except the final one, reinforcing the student's independent completion of that last action. Gradually, the instructor reduces prompts, encouraging the student to perform the last few steps independently until the entire sequence is mastered. An advantage of backward chaining is that reinforcement is always given at the end, which can effectively motivate learning with a variety of rewards.

Takeaways

• 🔗 Backward chaining is a method of linking behaviors starting with the last behavior in the chain.
• 👨‍🏫 The procedure involves prompting the student to perform all behaviors except the last one, then reinforcing their independent completion of the final behavior.
• 💧 In the example given, the student is guided through washing hands, with the instructor stopping before the last behavior for the student to complete independently.
• 🍎 Reinforcement is provided after the student successfully completes the last behavior, such as receiving a fruit treat.
• 📉 The instructor gradually reduces prompts, allowing the student to perform more steps independently, starting with the last two behaviors.
• 👏 Positive reinforcement is used to encourage the student's independent performance and to motivate them to complete the chain.
• 🔁 The process is repeated, incrementally increasing the number of behaviors the student performs independently until they can complete the entire chain on their own.
• 🔄 Backward chaining ensures that reinforcement is always at the end of the chain, which can be beneficial for learning.
• 🌟 The advantage of backward chaining is that it allows for the use of various reinforcers, making the learning process more engaging and effective.
• 🎯 The ultimate goal is for the student to be able to independently perform the entire behavior chain from start to finish.

Q & A

What is the definition of backward chaining as described in the script?

Backward chaining is the process of linking together behaviors by starting with the last behavior in the chain.

How does backward chaining differ from forward chaining?

In backward chaining, behaviors are prompted in reverse order, starting with the last behavior, whereas in forward chaining, behaviors are prompted in the order they naturally occur.

What is the first step in performing backward chaining with the example of washing hands?

The first step is to prompt the student to perform all behaviors in the chain except for the last behavior.

What is the purpose of prompting the student to perform all but the last behavior?

The purpose is to allow the student to independently perform the last behavior to receive reinforcement.

What is the reinforcer mentioned in the script for washing hands?

The reinforcer is a fruit treat given after the student successfully completes the hand-washing task.

How does the instructor prompt the student during the backward chaining process?

The instructor prompts the student to perform the behaviors by physically guiding them or verbally instructing them until just before the last behavior.

What is the significance of the instructor stopping before the last behavior?

Stopping before the last behavior ensures that the student completes it independently, which is crucial for reinforcing that specific behavior.

Why is it important to reinforce the student's independent performance of the last behavior?

Reinforcing the last behavior helps to establish it as a habit and encourages the student to perform it without prompts in the future.

Can you explain the process of reinforcing the next to last and last behaviors in the script?

The instructor prompts the student to perform the behaviors up to the second last, then stops, allowing the student to complete the last two behaviors independently before receiving reinforcement.

How does the instructor ensure the student can complete the entire chain independently?

The instructor gradually increases the number of prompted behaviors, reinforcing the student's independent performance of each step until they can perform the entire chain without prompts.

What is an advantage of using backward chaining mentioned in the script?

An advantage is that reinforcement always falls at the end of the chain, which allows for the use of a variety of reinforcers.