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What Are the Three Types of Chaining in ABA?
September 2, 2025
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), chaining is a teaching method used to help children learn complex skills by breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. Each step builds on the previous one until the entire skill is mastered. There are three main types of chaining:
- Forward Chaining – The child learns the first step in the sequence first. Once mastered, they move to the next step, continuing until they can complete the whole task independently.
- Backward Chaining – The therapist completes all steps except the last one, which the child practices. As the child masters the final step, they gradually take on earlier steps until they can perform the entire chain.
- Total Task Chaining – The child practices all steps in the sequence during each teaching opportunity, with support provided where needed. This method is often used when a child already has some of the required skills.
Chaining is especially useful for teaching daily living skills like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or making a meal.
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SOURCES:
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/behavior-chaining/
https://www.iloveaba.com/2013/09/backward-forward-chaining.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3251282/
https://howtoaba.com/behavior-chain-in-aba/
https://asdnetwork.unl.edu/virtual-strategies/chaining/
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/what-is-chaining-in-applied-behavior-analysis/
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