# Task Analysis / Chaining taxonomy — TRACE v1 # Self-contained: AFLS skills broken into step lists, chain types, prompting. # Citation: CHH 2020 Ch. 23; Slocum & Tiger 2011 JABA; Partington & Mueller 2012. method: id: task_analysis name: Task Analysis / Chaining short: Task Analysis citation: "Cooper, Heron, Heward (2020) Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed.), Ch. 23; Slocum, S. K. & Tiger, J. H. (2011). JABA, 44(4), 793–805; Partington & Mueller 2012 (AFLS)." when_to_use: > Multi-step skills with a natural sequence — toileting, handwashing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, classroom routines, community tasks, vocational routines. # Chain types chain_types: - id: forward name: Forward chaining description: "Teach step 1 to mastery, then 1->2, then 1->2->3, progressively adding later steps." best_for: "Skills where early steps are simple and the chain grows in complexity." - id: backward name: Backward chaining description: "Complete all steps for the learner except the last; teach the last step first, then work backward. The final reinforcer (task completion) is always present for the learner." best_for: "Skills where the terminal reinforcer is salient (bathing, dressing, meal cleanup)." - id: total_task name: Total-task presentation description: "Prompt the learner through the entire chain every trial; fade prompts across all steps simultaneously." best_for: "Skills with few steps, or when all steps are similar in difficulty." # Prompt hierarchies commonly used in chaining prompt_hierarchies: - id: graduated_guidance name: Graduated Guidance description: "Hand-over-hand physical guidance with fading pressure; move to shadow, then independent." best_for: "Self-care and motor-dominant chains." - id: most_to_least name: Most-to-Least description: "Start with full-physical prompt at each step; fade to partial physical, gestural, verbal, independent." best_for: "Acquisition phase; new chains." - id: least_to_most name: Least-to-Most description: "Allow independent attempt; add progressively more intrusive prompts only if learner does not initiate." best_for: "Partial-repertoire chains; promoting independence." # Error correction procedures appropriate for chaining error_corrections: - id: back_to_previous_step name: Back-step + re-approach steps: "Return to the previously-mastered step; re-execute that step correctly; then re-attempt the missed step with one prompt level above the last independent level." - id: model_prompt_fade name: Model -> prompt -> fade steps: "Demonstrate the correct step; provide physical or gestural prompt as needed; fade prompt across subsequent trials." - id: task_reset name: Task reset steps: "Pause the chain; reset environmental stimuli; restart the chain from the beginning with full prompts at the previously-missed step." # Reinforcement schedules for chaining reinforcement_schedules: - id: crf_per_step name: CRF per step (acquisition) description: "Continuous reinforcement for each correctly-completed step during acquisition." - id: terminal_reinforcement name: Terminal reinforcement (mastered) description: "Reinforcement delivered only at chain completion; no per-step reinforcement." - id: differential_per_step name: Differential per-step + terminal description: "Small per-step reinforcement for independent responses; larger reinforcer at chain completion." - id: token_economy name: Token economy description: "One token per correctly-completed step; token exchange at chain completion." # Mastery criteria for chains (independence) vs toleration programs. # Generator filters by applies_to when picking a criterion. mastery_criteria: - id: mc_all_steps_independent applies_to: independence text: "100% of steps completed independently (no prompts) across 3 consecutive trials of the full chain." - id: mc_fluent_chain applies_to: independence text: "Full chain completed within {fluency_seconds}s across 3 consecutive sessions with independent responding on all steps." - id: mc_generalization applies_to: independence text: "Full chain completed independently with 2 different adults in 2 different settings across 2 consecutive days." - id: mc_self_initiation applies_to: independence text: "Chain self-initiated from the appropriate antecedent (no verbal prompt to begin) across 3 consecutive opportunities." - id: mc_toleration_full_duration applies_to: toleration text: "End-goal duration tolerated across 3 consecutive sessions with no safety behaviors (refusal, crying, SIB, aggression, property destruction)." - id: mc_toleration_caregivers applies_to: toleration text: "End-goal activity tolerated with 2 different caregivers (primary caregiver + one other) across 2 consecutive weeks." - id: mc_toleration_settings applies_to: toleration text: "End-goal activity tolerated across 2 different settings (e.g., home and clinic) across 2 consecutive weeks without safety behaviors." # AFLS skill domains — learner profile + module + skill + step definitions afls: modules: - id: basic_living name: Basic Living Skills learner_profiles: [school_age, adolescent, adult] # Two kinds of programs in this module: # - "steps" field = independence-focused chaining (learner performs the skill with # graduated prompts) # - "shaping_steps" field = toleration program (learner allows staff or caregiver # to perform the skill; duration-based shaping of tolerance) # Some real skills have BOTH variants depending on learner profile and history. skills: - name: washing hands chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Walk to the sink. - Turn on the water. - Wet hands under the water. - Apply soap to hands. - Rub hands together for 15–20 seconds, covering fronts, backs, and between fingers. - Rinse hands thoroughly under the water. - Turn off the water. - Dry hands with a towel. - name: brushing teeth chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Collect toothbrush and toothpaste. - Wet the toothbrush under water. - Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. - Brush upper-front teeth in small circles for 30 seconds. - Brush lower-front teeth in small circles for 30 seconds. - Brush upper-back teeth (left and right). - Brush lower-back teeth (left and right). - Spit into the sink and rinse mouth. - Rinse the toothbrush and return it to the holder. - name: putting on a shirt (pullover) chain_type_preferred: backward steps: - Hold the shirt with the front facing away. - Place both arms into the sleeves. - Pull the opening over the head. - Push arms through the sleeves fully. - Pull the bottom of the shirt down to straighten it. - name: putting on pants chain_type_preferred: backward steps: - Sit or stand securely. - Hold pants with the front facing away. - Place one leg into the corresponding pant leg. - Place the other leg into the other pant leg. - Pull pants up to the waist. - Fasten the button / zipper / velcro. - name: showering chain_type_preferred: backward steps: - Enter the shower and close the curtain. - Turn on the water and adjust temperature. - Wet body completely. - Apply soap to a washcloth. - Wash body systematically (face -> torso -> arms -> legs -> feet). - Rinse all soap off. - Apply shampoo and rub into hair. - Rinse hair completely. - Turn off the water. - Exit the shower and dry off with a towel. - name: toileting routine chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Recognize the need and walk to the bathroom. - Close the door for privacy. - Lower clothing appropriately. - Sit on the toilet. - Complete the elimination. - Use toilet paper correctly. - Stand and pull clothing up. - Flush the toilet. - Wash hands. # Toleration programs # For learners who do not tolerate the activity being performed on them. # Goal is NOT to do it independently — goal is to allow caregiver/staff to # complete the activity without refusal, crying, SIB, or aggression, with # duration shaped incrementally. - name: tolerating tooth brushing by caregiver program_type: toleration target_activity: tooth brushing performed by caregiver end_goal_description: "full 2-minute tooth-brushing routine completed by caregiver without refusal, crying, SIB, or aggression" shaping_steps: - "1-second toothbrush contact with teeth" - "3 seconds of brushing" - "5 seconds of brushing" - "15 seconds of brushing" - "30 seconds of brushing" - "60 seconds of brushing" - "Full 2-minute brushing routine" - name: tolerating hair washing by caregiver program_type: toleration target_activity: hair washing / shampooing performed by caregiver end_goal_description: "full hair-washing routine completed by caregiver without refusal or safety behaviors" shaping_steps: - "5 seconds of water on hair" - "15 seconds of water on hair" - "Shampoo applied without lathering" - "30 seconds of gentle lathering" - "60 seconds of lathering" - "Full rinse" - "Full routine: wet -> shampoo -> lather -> rinse" - name: tolerating nail clipping program_type: toleration target_activity: nail clipping performed by caregiver end_goal_description: "all 10 fingernails (and optionally toenails) clipped by caregiver without refusal, pulling hand away, or safety behaviors" shaping_steps: - "1 fingernail clipped" - "2 fingernails clipped in one sitting" - "5 fingernails clipped (one hand)" - "All 10 fingernails clipped" - "All 10 fingernails + 10 toenails clipped" - name: tolerating haircut program_type: toleration target_activity: haircut by caregiver or stylist end_goal_description: "full haircut (10+ minutes) completed without refusal, leaving the chair, or safety behaviors" shaping_steps: - "Sit in the chair with cape on for 30 seconds" - "Tolerate 1 minute of quiet sitting with cape" - "Tolerate 2 minutes of brief clipping" - "Tolerate 5 minutes of clipping" - "Tolerate 10 minutes of clipping" - "Tolerate full haircut routine" - name: tolerating showering assistance program_type: toleration target_activity: showering / bathing performed with caregiver assistance end_goal_description: "full assisted shower routine completed without refusal, exiting the shower, or safety behaviors" shaping_steps: - "Stand in shower for 30 seconds with water off" - "Tolerate 10 seconds of water on body" - "Tolerate 30 seconds of water on body" - "Tolerate soap application to torso" - "Tolerate full body wash by caregiver" - "Full assisted shower routine" - name: tolerating medical exam program_type: toleration target_activity: routine medical exam by clinician end_goal_description: "full routine exam (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, otoscope, temperature) completed without refusal or safety behaviors" shaping_steps: - "Enter and sit in the exam room" - "Tolerate stethoscope contact for 5 seconds" - "Tolerate blood pressure cuff on arm" - "Tolerate otoscope in ear" - "Tolerate temperature reading" - "Tolerate full routine exam" - id: home name: Home Skills learner_profiles: [adolescent, adult] skills: - name: making the bed chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Strip any disheveled linens and lay them flat. - Straighten the bottom sheet across the mattress. - Place the top sheet evenly over the mattress. - Tuck the top sheet in at the foot of the bed. - Place the comforter over the top sheet. - Place pillows at the head of the bed. - Smooth the comforter surface. - name: meal cleanup chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Stack used dishes on one side of the table. - Carry dishes to the sink or dishwasher. - Rinse food residue into the trash or disposal. - Load dishes into the dishwasher (or wash by hand). - Wipe the table with a damp cloth. - Put away any leftover food into containers. - Place containers in the refrigerator. - name: dishwashing by hand chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Scrape food residue into the trash. - Fill the sink with warm, soapy water. - Wash each dish systematically with a sponge. - Rinse each dish under clean water. - Place each dish on the drying rack. - Drain the sink and wipe it down. - name: operating the dishwasher chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Collect dirty dishes from the table and sink area. - Scrape any solid food residue into the trash. - Rinse dishes briefly under water. - Open the dishwasher door. - Load plates and bowls into the bottom rack. - Load cups, glasses, and small items into the top rack. - Place utensils handle-down in the utensil basket. - Add detergent to the detergent dispenser. - Close the dishwasher door. - Select the appropriate wash cycle and press Start. - name: unloading the dishwasher chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Open the dishwasher once the cycle is complete. - Unload the top rack first (cups, glasses, small items). - Put cups and glasses away in the correct cabinet. - Unload the utensil basket. - Put utensils away in the drawer. - Unload the bottom rack (plates, bowls, larger items). - Put plates and bowls away in the correct cabinet. - Close the dishwasher door. - name: doing laundry chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Sort laundry by color (lights / darks / whites). - Load the washing machine with one color group. - Add detergent according to instructions. - Select the correct wash cycle and start the machine. - When complete, move clothes to the dryer. - Start the dryer on the correct cycle. - When dry, fold clothes by category. - Put folded clothes away in drawers or closet. - name: simple meal preparation (sandwich) chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Collect all ingredients (bread, filling, spread). - Place two slices of bread on the plate. - Apply spread to one slice. - Place filling on the spread slice. - Place the second slice on top. - Cut the sandwich in half if desired. - Place on a plate to serve. - id: community name: Community Participation Skills learner_profiles: [adolescent, adult] skills: - name: crossing a street safely chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Approach the crosswalk and stop at the curb. - Look left, look right, look left again. - Identify the walk signal or absence of traffic. - Begin to cross while continuing to scan for vehicles. - Cross directly to the opposite curb. - Step up onto the sidewalk. - name: ordering in a restaurant chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Approach the counter or wait to be seated. - Review the menu. - Decide on a choice. - Place the order verbally (or with an AAC device). - Respond to clarifying questions. - Pay using money or a card. - Wait for the order and collect it. - name: using public transportation chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Confirm the correct stop or station. - Purchase or have the fare ready. - Wait at the designated boarding area. - Board the vehicle when it arrives. - Pay the fare or present the pass. - Sit or stand safely. - Monitor the route for the correct stop. - Exit at the correct stop. - id: vocational name: Vocational Skills learner_profiles: [adolescent, adult] skills: - name: clocking in at start of shift chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Arrive at the workplace by the scheduled time. - Locate the time clock or digital system. - Enter identification (ID card / badge / code). - Confirm the clock-in timestamp. - Notify the supervisor or check the day's task list. - Proceed to the assigned workstation. - name: completing assigned tasks in order chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Review the task list for the shift. - Gather needed materials for the first task. - Complete the first task to the specified standard. - Mark the first task complete on the list. - Return materials to storage. - Move to the next task on the list and repeat. - id: independent_living name: Independent Living Skills learner_profiles: [adult] skills: - name: taking medication as prescribed chain_type_preferred: total_task steps: - Check the medication schedule at the scheduled time. - Collect the correct medication bottle. - Confirm the dose against the label. - Measure or count the correct dose. - Take the medication with water. - Log the dose in the medication tracker. - Return the bottle to its storage location. - name: scheduling a medical appointment chain_type_preferred: forward steps: - Identify the reason for the appointment. - Locate the provider's contact information. - Call or use the online system. - Provide name, date of birth, and insurance information. - Request an available appointment time. - Confirm the appointment and save it to the calendar.