Learning new skills isn’t always a straightforward process, especially for autistic children who may struggle with complex tasks. But what if there was a method that broke learning down into small, manageable steps? That’s exactly what shaping in ABA therapy does.
We once worked with a young boy named Leo (anonymized for privacy), who had difficulty brushing his teeth independently. Initially, he refused to even hold the toothbrush.
But through shaping—a process of reinforcing small steps toward the final goal—Leo gradually progressed from holding the toothbrush to putting it in his mouth and eventually brushing on his own. His parents were amazed at how this structured approach helped him gain confidence in his daily routine.
Many parents wonder how they can help their child build important life skills. The shaping ABA technique is one of the most effective ways to teach new behaviors in a positive, step-by-step manner.
What is Shaping in ABA Therapy?
Shaping is a technique in ABA therapy that involves reinforcing gradual steps toward a desired behavior. Instead of expecting a child to master a skill immediately, shaping helps them progress by rewarding small improvements along the way.
For example, if a child struggles with making eye contact, a therapist may first reinforce looking in the general direction of a person, then reinforce glancing at someone’s face, and finally reward direct eye contact. Each step builds upon the last until the full behavior is achieved.
How Shaping Differs from Other ABA Techniques
While shaping shares similarities with other ABA techniques, it stands out because:
- It focuses on gradual progress: Instead of requiring a child to complete a whole task right away, shaping encourages small steps forward.
- It reinforces effort, not just completion: A child doesn’t need to succeed perfectly on the first try. Instead, progress is rewarded at every stage.
- It’s highly individualized: Shaping is tailored to each child’s current abilities and learning pace.
The Science Behind Shaping ABA
Shaping is based on operant conditioning, a principle developed by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Operant conditioning suggests that behaviors followed by positive reinforcement are more likely to be repeated. In ABA therapy, shaping strengthens desired behaviors by rewarding gradual improvements.
Research has shown that shaping is particularly effective for autistic children who may need additional support in learning complex behaviors. By breaking tasks into manageable steps, shaping reduces frustration and increases motivation, making learning more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Process of Shaping in ABA
Shaping follows a structured process that ensures steady progress:
1. Identify the Target Behavior
Before shaping can begin, therapists and parents must define the final goal. This could be anything from learning to speak in full sentences to improving social interactions.
2. Establish a Baseline
Therapists observe what the child can currently do. If the goal is independent dressing, they may note whether the child can put on a shirt but struggles with buttons.
3. Break the Behavior into Small Steps
Once the starting point is identified, the behavior is divided into achievable steps. For example, learning to tie shoes could be broken down as follows:
- Picking up the laces
- Crossing them over each other
- Making the first loop
- Completing the bow
4. Reinforce Each Successive Approximation
Every small step is rewarded. If a child is learning to use a spoon, they may first be praised for simply holding it, then for bringing it toward their mouth, and eventually for using it to eat.
5. Gradually Increase Expectations
As the child masters each step, reinforcement is provided for more advanced progress. If a child initially receives a reward for placing shoes on the correct feet, they may later be required to tie the laces before earning reinforcement.
6. Fade Reinforcement Over Time
As the behavior becomes natural, external rewards are gradually reduced. This helps the child transition to performing the skill independently without needing frequent reinforcement.
Real-Life Applications of Shaping ABA
Shaping can be used in various everyday situations to help autistic children develop essential skills:
1. Improving Communication Skills
Children who struggle with verbal communication can benefit from shaping by gradually learning to express themselves:
- Rewarding a child for making sounds before expecting full words
- Encouraging one-word responses before moving to full sentences
- Reinforcing the use of alternative communication methods like sign language or AAC devices
2. Building Social Skills
Social interactions can be overwhelming, but shaping makes the process easier by reinforcing small steps:
- A child may first be rewarded for standing near a peer
- Then for making eye contact
- Then for saying "hello"
- Eventually, they learn to initiate conversations independently
3. Teaching Daily Living Skills
Shaping is useful for building self-care and independence:
- Brushing teeth: Start by reinforcing picking up the toothbrush, then putting toothpaste on it, and eventually brushing independently
- Dressing independently: Reward the child for putting on one article of clothing before expecting them to dress completely on their own
Common Challenges in Shaping ABA and How to Overcome Them
While shaping is effective, parents and therapists may encounter obstacles. Here’s how to address them:
1. Child Becomes Frustrated
If a child struggles with a step, it may be too difficult. Try breaking it down further or providing more reinforcement to keep them motivated.
2. Progress Stalls
Some children may reach a plateau. In such cases, adjusting reinforcement strategies or introducing a new motivator can help reignite progress.
3. Difficulty with Generalization
A child may perform a skill in therapy but struggle in real-life settings. Practicing the skill in different environments and with various people can help them apply what they’ve learned more naturally.
Conclusion
Shaping in ABA therapy is a powerful tool that helps autistic children build new skills through positive reinforcement. By breaking complex behaviors into smaller steps, it makes learning more manageable and rewarding. Whether it’s improving communication, social skills, or self-care, shaping helps children gain confidence and independence.
At Steady Strides, we specialize in using shaping and other evidence-based ABA strategies to support children in reaching their full potential. Our expert therapists create individualized programs that foster progress in a way that is engaging and stress-free.
If you're looking for guidance on how to help your child learn new skills, contact Steady Strides today—we’re here to support your journey every step of the way!
FAQs 
How long does shaping take in ABA therapy?
It varies depending on the child and the complexity of the behavior. Some skills may be learned in a few sessions, while others take weeks or months.
What’s the difference between shaping and chaining?
Shaping reinforces small steps toward a behavior, while chaining teaches a sequence of steps that must be completed in order.
Can parents use shaping at home?
Absolutely! Parents can reinforce small steps toward independence in daily routines like eating, dressing, and communication.
Sources:

- https://asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specific-treatments/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/aba-techniques/shaping/
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/shaping-in-aba/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1473025/
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/what-is-reinforcement-and-why-is-it-important-in-aba/
