Highlights from our Maximizing Success Seminar: Using Task Sequences for Independence
Our recent seminar co-sponsored with OAR was well received!
Dr. JANE BARBIN, PhD, BCBA-D presented information on breaking down task sequences (e.g., daily living skills, chores, leisure skills, morning/night routines, full day schedules) into component parts to establish skills and increase independence using chaining methods across the life span. Prompting and prompt fading were reviewed, including sample video demonstrations and interactive exercises for those who attended.
Task sequences (aka "chains") are used to teach skills such as activities of daily living, chores, community/vocational skills, full day/leisure schedules, etc!
Initially a TASK ANALYSIS is created to break down a complex skill into smaller, teachable units.
This allows the individual to function more independently at home, school or in the community, as then...dinner is made, chores are done, the night routine is completed, one's shoes are tied, etc.
The teaching details are important:
- Use Errorless Teaching! This is an approach to minimize errors and maximize success, to capture the student's best response. This helps to avoid building errors into the chain.
- Prompt correctly! Graduated guidance (most to least) cues are often used. Verbal prompts are not used (as strange as that will seem)! Prompting is from behind the learner. Avoid pointing/ modeling in front of him/her.
- Handle errors by correcting them. Correct them within the sequence, by returning the learner to the last successful step then proceeding forward (e.g., "backstep").
Use of Activity Schedules was also highlighted in this seminar. The goal here is to enable individuals to complete tasks/activities (school schedule, night routine, play/leisure) without adult guidance.
- An Activity Schedule is a set of words or pictures that cue learners to engage in a sequence of activities, to self-direct and increase independence.
- They are naturalistic - We all use schedules!
- Can take many forms - Binder/daily planner and picture/textual icons used.
- Activities with a clear beginning and end are incorporated.
- Instructor reinforces and fades to self-reinforcement.
- Allows choice - Learner can choose what to do, which to do first.
- Aids environmental change and predictability.
- Specific prerequisite skills were reviewed.
- Types include: All Day Schedules, Leisure Activity Schedules, and Other Activity Schedules (setting the table, meal prep, brushing teeth, etc.).
- Benefits of Schedules - Can quickly establish independence, fewer adult prompts, more initiation, on-task behavior and social interactions, decrease in inappropriate behaviors, and increased leisure engagement.
**Thanks goes out to Christine Crowell, MS, BCBA and new members to our newsletter who partcipated in The Arlington County Schools Resource Event**
We hope to see you at our next workshop event!
