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One of the best ways to teach is not by instruction but rather by demonstration. This is the foundation of modeling in ABA therapy, a highly effective technique that helps children with autism develop socially appropriate behaviors or learn new skills.

From learning hygiene skills to making requests, modeling is one of the core techniques used in behavioral therapy to support children on the autism spectrum. Read on to learn more.

What Is Modeling in ABA?

Modeling in ABA therapy involves therapists demonstrating a visual or verbal example of the desired behavior for the child to observe and imitate. This approach gives the child a clear and concrete behavior to replicate.

The technique is based on psychologist Dr. Albert Bandura’s social learning theory, which proposes that learning occurs through observation, imitation, and modeling. Multiple factors such as motivation, attitudes, emotions, and attention play key roles in the effectiveness of this learning process.

How Does Modeling in ABA Work?

Incorporating a modeling strategy for a young autistic client requires a thorough assessment of their strengths, goals, and challenges. Then, you can begin implementing a plan. 

The following modeling example describes an autistic child learning to shake hands when greeting someone. The “target skill” will be shaking another person’s hand.

1. Modeling Planning

During the modeling planning stage in ABA therapy, several key steps need to be established. This planning is typically led by a trained ABA therapist, who will:

• Assessing the child’s readiness for modeling involves evaluating their physical ability, comfort with contact, and cognitive readiness to understand and imitate the behavior.
• Select an appropriate model for the child, typically a peer, or use video modeling if more practical. 
• Train the model on the “target skill” of shaking another person’s hand. 
• Decide whether to use a prime or a prompt during the modeling therapy to guide the child.

2. Applying the Modeling Therapy Technique 

When applying the modeling therapy technique:

As a prime (preparatory cue):

• Cue the child to watch the model.
• The model demonstrates the target skill, such as shaking their hand
• Wait for the child to imitate the behavior

As a prompt (a direct cue or assistance):

• Instruct the child to shake the model’s hand.
• The model demonstrates the target skill if the child needs guidance.

Afterward, the therapist provides feedback:

• Reinforcement, whether positive or negative, is given depending on whether the child successfully imitates the behavior.

3. Assessing the Modeling Technique

By collecting data regarding the target skill, which in this case is handshaking, the learner’s team of therapists can determine if they are making progress. 

If the child progresses with the modeling therapy, the therapists can use the same ABA therapy approach to teach the learner new target skills and behaviors. 

If the target skill or behavior is not being is not being adopted by the learner, then therapists must ask themselves the following questions:

• Is the target skill or behavior well-defined?
• Can they measure and observe the defined skill or behavior?
• Does the learner have the necessary prerequisite skills for modeling?
• Has sufficient time been allocated to implementing this strategy?
• Was the skill or behavioral modeling technique applied consistently and accurately?
• Is the reinforcement being used motivating and engaging enough for the child?
• Is the controlling prompt effectively ensuring the learner demonstrates the target skill or behavior?

What Are The Different Kinds of Modeling Techniques?

Modeling in ABA therapy is a broad term that encompasses various forms of demonstration, including the following.

Visual Modeling

Visual modeling is a subgroup or a branch of modeling where the demonstration is expressly visual. This means the child can see the behavior performed through live demonstrations, videos, or pictures. Each type of visual modeling has its unique benefits and can be used in different situations to make complex concepts or behaviors easier to understand and put into practice. 

Video Modeling

A video demonstrates specific skills, allowing the learner to watch and duplicate the action. Video modeling is also a great way to teach a child with autism how to perform a skill they’ve mastered at a higher level with fewer supports. It’s a very persuasive form of applied behavior analysis to teach and improve social skills.

Pictures and Charts 

Visual aids such as pictures or “to-do” charts can be a guide or a quick reminder because they’re understandable and easily accessible. An example would be a chart in the learner’s bathroom indicating the steps to use the potty or toilet (depending on the age). 

Visual Aids and Verbal Prompts

Using verbal instructions in conjunction with a chart can tremendously reinforce the learning process by appealing to the child’s visual and auditory learning styles. This is especially important when teaching a child independent living skills such as dressing or making the bed.

What Are The Benefits of Modeling in ABA Therapy?

Modeling in ABA therapy provides several benefits to children with autism, particularly those who might find it easier to imitate behaviors through observation. 

Improved Understanding Through Observation

For those autistic children who struggle to understand verbal instructions, modeling allows the desired behavior to be demonstrated. By watching a model perform a skill or behavior, the child can understand what is expected of them. 

Increased Engagement

Children on the spectrum are like most of us: visual demonstrations are more engaging and captivating than written or auditory instructions. Simply put, live demonstrations or videos can hold their attention better and for extended periods of time.

Simplifies Complex Behaviors

Modeling is one of the ways task analysis is taught in ABA therapy. Task analysis is used to break down tasks into smaller steps, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by watching others complete the desired activity. 

Supports Children with Language Delays

Instead of relying on verbal instructions to complete a task, an autistic child with language delays can imitate what they see, bypassing the need for language comprehension. Whether the child has non-verbal autism or is undergoing speech therapy.

Fosters Imitation and Social Skills

Modeling is excellent for teaching critical social behaviors such as eye contact, taking turns, and appropriate greetings. In watching others interact, a child with autism can easily learn to incorporate and mimic socially appropriate behaviors.

Versatile and Flexible 

From reducing aggressive behaviors in autistic children to helping with sensory processing disorders, modeling can curb a variety of less desirable behaviors and teach new skills. This ABA therapy intervention can be taught anywhere from the child’s natural environment to more structured environments such as the classroom and anytime they’re out in public. 

When Can I Use Modeling?

We often hear from parents at Heartlinks asking whether they can use modeling with their children at home. The answer is a resounding yes! 

Establishing Daily Routines

Whether new routines or cementing existing ones, modeling can teach them what to do. 

• Mealtime: Parents can model sitting upright at the table, using utensils, a napkin, and manners (saying please and thank you).
• Bedtime: The adults can model brushing their teeth, washing their faces, and putting on their pajamas.

Managing Emotions

Autistic children often experience tremendous difficulty with emotional regulation. The adults in their lives can use modeling to show them alternatives.

• Coping with Frustration: Parents and caregivers can model self-soothing techniques.
• Problem-Solving: By demonstrating problem-solving strategies when faced with a challenge, parents can show their autistic children other ways to handle emotions than having tantrums.

Teaching New Behaviors

There are endless situations where parents or caregivers can model social skills.

• Greeting Others: Whether it’s saying “hello” or shaking another’s hand, adults can model how to greet others and encourage their child to imitate the behavior.
• Eye Contact: Parents can urge their children to make eye contact themselves during conversations.
• Taking Turns: The importance of waiting and sharing are critical behaviors to learn. When playing with their children, the adults can demonstrate taking turns with games and toys. 

Heartlinks Can Help Guide You Every Step of the Way

By providing clear visual and verbal examples, modeling makes it easier for children with autism to understand and replicate desired behaviors, such as managing emotions, completing daily routines, or developing social skills. At Heartlinks, we regularly integrate modeling into the ABA treatment model at home and in our centers. This empowers parents to reinforce these strategies. 

For more information about how modeling can support your child’s development, contact Heartlinks today.