Ever felt like pairing oneself is akin to selecting a character in your favorite video game? It’s not just about choosing any character, but selecting the one that vibes perfectly with your gaming strategy.
That’s what ‘pairing’ is all about in the world of ABA. It's not just being another character in a client's world; it's about becoming their go-to player, their trusted sidekick. Building strong, genuine connections goes beyond just pairing ourselves with things our clients like. We aim to really get them and be a trusted part of their ABA journey. If you’re new to ABA, let’s quickly catch you up to speed!
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), often referred to as ABA therapy, is a science-backed method designed to decode and transform behavior. It shines particularly bright in autism treatment. When applied with care, ABA paves the way for our clients to cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections.
And, pairing is the bridge between understanding behavior and building skills.
At its core, pairing is all about forging meaningful bonds. No matter your title - be it RBT, BT, BCBA, BCaBA, or a trainee just starting out - the ABA journey is anchored in establishing trust with your client. Their perception of our sincere dedication to their well-being is pivotal.
Often, our immediate focus involves prioritizing our agenda and the goals we should be addressing during sessions. However, while not directly related to ABA, we think of a Rogerian approach, which underscores the value of first prioritizing the establishment of relationships. The concept of child-centered or client-centered therapy, where the therapist considers the individual's unique needs and preferences, is consistent with the idea of individualizing interventions for enhanced efficacy (Henley, 2019). By doing so, we pave the way for genuinely impactful skill development. Relying strictly on fixed agendas without this emphasis might inadvertently render the therapy experience as “transactional” for clients. Furthermore, building this rapport has tangible benefits; it mitigates potential challenging behaviors and increases responsiveness (Kelly, 2015).
The "transactional" feeling can be alleviated when there's a genuine focus on the client's overall well-being, understanding client preferences, individual differences, and incorporating them into therapy.
What specific terms should we keep in mind when considering pairing?
Reinforcer: Technical Definition - A stimulus change or event that, when presented immediately following a behavior, increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future under similar circumstances. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2019)
Example: Think of a worker receiving a bonus for a job well done; they're likely to put in that extra effort again, anticipating a similar reward.
Conditioned Reinforcer: Technical Definition - A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired repeatedly with other reinforcers, may acquire the capacity to function as a reinforcer itself. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2019)
Example: Think about your morning alarm. At first, it's just a sound that wakes you up. But if every time it rings, you immediately smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the kitchen, over time, that alarm sound alone might make you think of that delicious coffee even if you're not at home. The alarm? It's become a conditioned reminder of your morning coffee.
Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer: Technical Definition - A type of conditioned reinforcer that has been paired with multiple types of unconditioned and conditioned reinforcers and therefore is reinforcing in many situations regardless of the individual’s current needs or desires. (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2019)
Example: Money is a common generalized conditioned reinforcer. You can use it to buy food, toys, experiences, etc. So, even though you might not be hungry or wanting something specific at the moment, money is still valuable to you.
Your Ultimate Guide to Be the Coolest ABA Therapist:
Grand Entrance: Start with a genuine, "Hey, there!” Demonstrate you're in tune with THEIR rhythm. This isn't about over-the-top excitement or relentless cheering. It's about truly grasping their needs and preferences in the moment. Get to recognize your client’s version of happy, relaxed, and engaged, and strive to resonate with that vibe consistently.
Oopsie Fixes: Oops moments are a part of the journey. Sometimes we might stretch a boundary or momentarily place our plan above our client's comfort. The key? Own it, adjust, and move forward with grace.
Jazz Up the Mundane: Spot those 'snooze moments' and give them a fun twist. Let's face it, we all have those tasks that make us groan inwardly. The secret sauce? Mix in a pinch of what you enjoy! Think of that one task or chore you'd rather avoid. How can you jazz it up a bit? Maybe it's washing dishes while grooving to your favorite song or getting lost in a podcast.
Don’t be Stingy: We're aware that behavior analysts are enthusiastic about contingencies and the idea of earning reinforcement through specific actions, but occasionally, a substantial amount of noncontingent reinforcement (like simultaneous access to many of their favorite things all at once) can be an effective approach.
What are some practical ideas we’d provide to trainees?
Enjoyable Activities: Start your sessions with something the client loves, making it clear that time with you is going to be fun! You could even bring their favorite thing with you, so they can't wait to see you at the door. It's an awesome feeling, right?
Feedback: Offer sincere praise when the client tries or accomplishes a task, and it's not about going overboard with enthusiasm. As Greg Hanley puts it, "The child should be more excited than you," and we admit, we've been those therapists who can get a bit too carried away with joy. It's understandable; it's hard not to get excited, but it's also important to regularly check in with your client and gather feedback on your approach. Do they agree with how you're doing things? Even if some clients might not express it verbally, their non-verbal cues can speak volumes.
Join In: Engage in play or activities alongside the client, showing you're genuinely interested in what they're doing while keeping in mind that not everybody builds relationships the same way, so ensure you’re following your client’s lead.
Choice: Let clients pick what they want to do during sessions, like choosing activities or toys. It can make them feel in charge and shows we care about what they like. This means you are not necessarily the one to offer choices, but allow your client to pick something that is available in the environment. Also, it's important to let them sit out if they're not feeling it.
Bring Novel Items: Occasionally bring in a new toy, book, or game that they've not seen before. This can create unexpected excitement and a positive association with your sessions.
Be Predictable: Maintain a consistent structure or routine that the client can anticipate, ensuring a sense of safety and reliability when they're with you.
Incorporate Preferred Items: Know what the client loves – be it a toy, snack, or activity – and integrate it into the session. This shows that what is important to them is important to you.
Active Listening: Demonstrate to the client that you're actively engaged by responding thoughtfully to their remarks, questions, or actions, and be willing to adapt your approach accordingly.
Alright, ABA enthusiasts! Share your experiences in the comments below. What fantastic pairing strategies have you successfully implemented in your journey?
Sources
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2019). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd Edition). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education.
Hergenhahn, B. R., & Henley, T. B. (2019). An introduction to the history of psychology. Cengage Learning.
Kelly, A. N., Axe, J. B., Allen, R. F., & Maguire, R. W. (2015). Effects of presession pairing on the challenging behavior and academic responding of children with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 30(2), 135–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1408