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Shaping Behavior in ABA: Unlocking Potential Through Gradual Progression

shaping

Behavior shaping is a cornerstone of Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a technique that uses small, manageable steps to teach new skills or improve existing ones.

At its core, ABA aims to shape behavior, a process that involves breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, achievable steps. This process helps individuals reach their goals, build confidence, and increase their tolerance for more challenging tasks.

In this post, we’ll explore the concept of shaping behavior in ABA, explore the benefits it offers, and discuss how it is implemented in real-life scenarios.

What is Behavior Shaping in ABA?

Behavior shaping, or “shaping,” is a systematic approach to teaching new skills or modifying existing behaviors. It involves breaking down a desired behavior into smaller, manageable steps, allowing individuals to gradually progress towards the desired outcome.

Central to shaping behavior is the use of reinforcement, which serves as a powerful motivator for individuals to learn and exhibit the desired behaviors.

Shaping stands apart from other ABA techniques due to its incremental approach. Instead of expecting mastery of a new skill immediately, shaping acknowledges the value of gradual progression and celebrates small victories along the way.

Why Use Shaping?

Shaping behavior has proven to be highly effective in a wide range of real-life scenarios. Let’s explore some examples:

  • Social skills: A child with social apprehension may initially receive reinforcement for responding to their name, then for initiating greetings, and eventually for engaging in reciprocal conversations.
  • Self-help skills: A child’s behavior may be shaped to independently complete tasks such as tying shoelaces, buttoning shirts, or brushing teeth through a series of smaller steps reinforced along the way.

The Process of Shaping Behavior

1. Identify the Target Behavior

Clearly defining the behavior is crucial to the success of the shaping process. By identifying specific target behaviors, ABA practitioners can effectively design intervention plans.

Examples of common target behaviors addressed through this process in ABA include social skills, communication, self-help skills, and academic tasks.

2. Break Down the Behavior

To facilitate learning, the target behavior is broken down into smaller, achievable steps. This approach allows individuals to experience success at each stage, building confidence and motivation.

Successive approximations play a key role in shaping behavior. Initially, individuals receive reinforcement for performing simpler behaviors that approximate the desired behavior, and as they progress, reinforcement is provided for behaviors that more closely resemble the final goal.

3. Use Reinforcement and Prompts

Positive reinforcement is a fundamental component of shaping behavior in ABA. By providing rewards – such as praise, tokens, or access to preferred activities – practitioners reinforce the occurrence of desired behaviors.

In addition to reinforcement, prompts are used to guide individuals toward the desired behaviors. Prompts can be verbal, physical, visual, or gestural cues that prompt individuals to perform the target behavior.

4. Increase with Gradual Progression

The process of shaping behavior involves a gradual progression from simple steps to the final behavior. By starting with tasks that individuals can easily accomplish and gradually increasing the complexity, practitioners promote continuous growth and skill development. Patience and consistency are essential during this process, as individuals require sufficient time to master each step before moving forward.

5. Reinforce Closer Approximations

A final important part of shaping behavior is putting previously mastered steps on extinction, while reinforcing closer and closer approximations of the target. For instance, once the learner has mastered “cuh”, stop reinforcing “cuh” and only reinforce “cookie.”

How to Use Shaping (with Examples)

In ABA, shaping can be applied across various dimensions of behavior. Here are some examples of shaping procedures and their applications:

  • Topography: Modifying how a behavior looks, such as refining handwriting or improving speech clarity.
  • Frequency/Rate: Increasing the number of responses per unit of time, such as increasing the speed of completing math problems.
  • Latency: Reducing the response time after receiving an instruction, for example, responding quickly to a teacher’s question.
  • Duration: Extending the length of engagement in an activity, such as maintaining attention during independent reading sessions.
  • Amplitude/Magnitude: Adjusting the intensity of a behavior, for instance, using appropriate force when throwing a ball.

Challenges & Considerations

While shaping behavior is a powerful tool, it’s essential to acknowledge potential challenges. After all, each individual is unique, with varying needs and abilities.

It’s crucial to tailor the process accordingly, considering factors such as motivation, learning style, and environmental influences. Furthermore, ethical considerations, informed consent, and respect for autonomy should guide the implementation of shaping techniques.


Shaping behavior, a core principle of ABA, offers a structured and effective approach to fostering positive change. By breaking down complex behaviors into manageable steps and providing reinforcement, learners can progress toward their goals.

Despite its limitations, such as being time-consuming and requiring constant monitoring, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. As ABA practitioners and caregivers embrace the power of shaping behavior, you unlock the potential for growth, independence, and enhanced quality of life.

3 thoughts on “Shaping Behavior in ABA: Unlocking Potential Through Gradual Progression”

  1. Pingback: Behavior Chain in ABA - How to ABA

  2. Hello Shayna and Shira: I am CEO of a 20 yr pre hire assessment company for police called BPAD (Behavioral Personnel Assessment Devices). We use realistic video scenarios in a role play format to screen police candidates (and for promotions). We are looking at using our videos for behavioral training for police officers. While we have a large catalog of the video scenarios, we are looking for a behavioral training framework. Your “video modeling” piece is of particular interest but we also need a coherent A to Z approach. Have you done any work with law enforcement? This is badly needed in the profession and I have a team interested in this as a “start up” endeavor.
    How could we connect on this?

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