‍Chaining (Backward and Forward)

Chaining is a strategy used to teach multi-step or complex skills (for example, washing hands or zipping up a jacket) in which the steps involved are defined through task analysis, and each separate step is taught in order to link together the total "chain." Chaining can be either done by backward chaining or forward chaining. With backward chaining an individual is first taught the last task in the sequence and each task is then mastered in a backward order (for example, steps 8 through 1) with the therapist completing the final steps involved with the task. With forward chaining, the first task in the sequence is taught first and each subsequent task is taught in sequential order (for example, steps 1 through 8) with the therapist completing the final steps involved with the task. Chaining creates an association between behavior by creating a “behavior chain” in which a specific sequence of behaviors or skills results in a specific completed action.

Chronological Age

Chronological age is the actual age of an individual calculated based on their birthdate. Children diagnosed with ASD experience delays in achieving certain developmental milestones when compared to children of similar chronological age but without ASD.

Classical Conditioning / Reflexive Conditioning

Classical conditioning, also known as reflexive conditioning, respondent conditioning, or Pavlovian conditioning, is a learning process in which a stimulus that is initially neutral (neutral stimulus or NS) is repeatedly paired with a stimulus that elicits a reflexive response (unconditioned stimulus or US) and becomes a conditioned stimulus or CS. The NS initially does not elicit a response, and only results in a reflexive response upon repeated association with the US. An example of classical conditioning is Pavlov’s experiment.

Comorbidity

Comorbidity means having multiple diagnoses (co-existing health conditions) at the same time, such as being concurrently diagnosed with ASD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and an anxiety disorder. ASD often co-occurs with other diagnoses.

Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is a generally unintentional tendency to view an idea or a concept in a biased manner, where the bias arises from preexisting beliefs. An example of confirmation bias involves a person selectively seeking only information and evidence that supports a belief that they already have and interpreting the new information as confirmation of that belief. Another example of confirmation bias is when objective information is taken out of the context to support preexisting beliefs, although taken in context the objective information would refute the preexisting beliefs.

Consequence

In ABA terms, a consequence is simply what happens immediately after a behavior. Consequences can be neutral, for example ignoring a behavior. Rewarding a behavior is another example of a consequence, and this can be done with a material reward or verbal praise.

Contained / Self-Contained Classroom

A contained or self-contained classroom is a classroom that serves only children with disabilities. These classrooms have a smaller teacher-to-student ratio than the teacher-to-student ratios in an inclusive classroom (which includes children with and without disabilities). Typically, contained or self-contained classes are taught by Special Education teachers and include at least one specially trained paraprofessional (paraprofessional roles vary to meet a child’s individual needs; a special education paraprofessional, for example, may act as a teacher’s aid to provide specialized learning assistance, or to provide physical or behavioral assistance during the school day, etc.).

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