The Power of Priming in ABA: How Priming Will Help Your Learners

Whether you’re a seasoned ABA practitioner or just starting out, understanding priming can make a profound difference in your practice and improve outcomes for those you support. Today, we’re diving into the concept of priming – a remarkably effective strategy that can significantly enhance the way we prepare learners for upcoming tasks or transitions.

No matter if it’s navigating a tricky board game, moving from a favorite activity to a less preferred one, or tackling a new experience like a first swimming lesson, priming helps outline expectations and reduces anxiety.

What is Priming?

Priming in ABA is a fancy term for pre-teaching. It is the proactive process of introducing cues or prompts to prepare learners for what’s to come. This technique taps into the principle that getting a “heads up” helps individuals adjust their mindset and behaviors, allowing for smoother transitions and reducing potential anxiety.

While we can’t predict the future, we can rely on past data to anticipate triggers, potential errors, and likely reactions. By understanding these patterns, we can guide learners toward positive outcomes.

What Priming is Not

Priming is not about nagging during the event, like saying, “Stop doing that” or “Close the door!” once the learner is already there. Instead, focus on preventive measures. Tell people the plan ahead of time!

How to Use Priming in ABA

Priming can be utilized across a variety of settings and scenarios. Teachers often use visual schedules in educational environments to prepare students for the day’s activities. At home, parents might use social narratives or google specific locations to explain upcoming events, like visiting a doctor or starting a new school. In ABA therapy, a verbal or visual cue may be used to provide a brief explanation of an upcoming event, including expected behaviors. This helps to make the process less daunting.

For instance, before transitioning from a play activity to a classroom setting, a simple verbal cue like, “In five minutes, we’ll start cleaning up!” can set the stage for a smoother transition. Visual aids – such as picture cards – can also be customized with preferred images, ensuring the priming technique resonates well with the learner.

What are the Benefits of Priming in ABA?

The benefits of priming are numerous and well-documented. By setting clear expectations in advance, priming reduces anxiety, enhances focus, and enables individuals to approach tasks with confidence.

Think of priming as a warm-up before the main event. It’s not just for addressing challenging behaviors; it’s also perfect for skill practice and easing transitions.

Many ABA professionals and parents have seen how priming has helped individuals navigate changes more effectively, leading to significant improvements in behavior management and skill acquisition. Research supports these anecdotal accounts, showing that priming can contribute to more positive behavioral outcomes and enhance the overall learning experience.

Priming Examples

Example 1: Encouraging Positive Comments During a Game

Instruction: “We’re going to play a game. Here are some things you can say.” (Review text cues, role-play)
Text Cue: “Nice roll!”
Reinforcement: “When you let someone else have a turn, it makes them feel great!” (Write: “Give your brother a turn,” provide text cue)
During Play: Point to the text cue for guidance

Example 2: Bathroom Reminder

Before a bathroom break: “Remember to close the door and wash your hands.”
Use cue cards, a visual schedule in the bathroom, etc.

8 Tips for Effective Implementation

Priming/Pre-teaching happens before the event, offering a fresh mental rehearsal for the learner. This can take various forms depending on the learner’s needs – think discussions, social stories, visual schedules, videos, or even role-playing. Always incorporate visuals, as they provide a constant reference when words fade.

For those ready to incorporate priming for learners, here are some practical tips:

1. Be Consistent: Establish a routine where pre-teaching is a regular part of the day. Consistency helps individuals know what to expect, fostering a sense of security.
2. Log Triggers: Keep an antecedent log to identify situations for priming.
3. Think of the Timing: Deliver priming cues well in advance of the transition or task to give individuals ample time to adjust.
4. Use Appropriate Visuals: Match visuals to the learner’s level – from stick figures to real photos.
5. Incorporate Reinforcement: Pair pre-teaching with positive reinforcement to strengthen the association and encourage desired behaviors.
6. Include Replacement Behaviors: Focus on positive alternatives, like, “Take a deep breath” or “Say ‘I am okay.’”
7. Provide Security: Let the learner hold onto the visual, encouraging self-guidance.
8. Troubleshoot Challenges: If pre-teaching doesn’t seem effective initially, consider revisiting the cues or timing to better align with the individual’s needs.

By leveraging priming, we can reduce anxiety and promote positive behaviors, creating a supportive environment that empowers learners. Dive deeper into these techniques with our resources and watch our video on Using a Contingency Map to Teach Behavior.

Benefits of Using Contingency Maps in Priming

Utilizing contingency maps can significantly enhance the priming process by providing a structured and visual representation of expectations and outcomes.

This approach not only clarifies the path to desired behaviors, but also boosts confidence and autonomy in decision-making. By combining priming with contingency maps, you’re equipped with a robust strategy to promote positive behavioral outcomes in a supportive and engaging manner.

How to Integrate Contingency Maps into Priming

When used alongside priming, contingency maps can offer a comprehensive approach to preparing individuals for transitions or tasks. Here’s how you can effectively integrate them:

Identify Key Behaviors

Start by identifying the behavior you want to address or encourage. Clearly define the antecedents that lead to this behavior and the consequences that follow.

Create the Map

Design the map with simple visuals or text that are easy to understand. Place the antecedent at the beginning, followed by the behavior, and conclude with the outcome.

Use as a Priming Tool

Before a task or transition, present the contingency map to the individual. This allows them to visualize the process and understand the potential outcomes, reducing anxiety and enhancing readiness.

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Priming, or pre-teaching, is a powerful tool in ABA that can make a substantial difference in encouraging behavior change and learning. We encourage you to experiment with various pre-teaching techniques and adapt them to suit your unique context. By incorporating priming into your practice, you’re not only enhancing your professional skills but also significantly contributing to the well-being of those you support.