ABA therapy has been shown to be highly effective for patients with autism. The key factor is the success of ABA therapy pairing. All patients, particularly those with autism, may not readily open up and embrace the notion of therapy. Pairing is essential for successful treatment because it motivates the patient to look forward to sessions and to feel eager to work with their therapist. At Flywheel Centers we spend time on pairing before moving on to treatment.
What is Pairing in ABA?
Pairing in ABA refers to the process of creating an association in the patient’s mind between the therapist and positive experiences. The purpose is to create a positive environment for treatment and to build rapport between the patient and the therapist. This is particularly important for children with autism, who may find it a challenge to embrace unfamiliar situations and open up to new people.
Patients who feel that relating to the therapist is a positive experience are more likely to be motivated and engaged during sessions. The desired result of pairing in ABA is that the child will see the therapist as a source of comfort, fun, and nurturing. If the patient looks forward to sessions, they are more likely to make progress in their treatment.
Why is Pairing Important in ABA?
Pairing helps children acquire skills faster for several reasons, including:
- Fostering trust
- Creating motivation
- Soothing anxiety
- Encouraging learning
Since children with autism may be wary of unfamiliar people and situations, ABA therapy pairing is essential for fostering a sense of trust in patients. A multiplicity of positive interactions is likely to create a positive association in the patient’s mind. Building a rapport in ABA pairing will help the patient trust the therapist and build a sense of general trust.
Pairing in ABA motivates patients because they will have a pleasant association with the therapist and the sessions. This is essential for engagement and for the success of treatment. In addition, building closeness and trust with the therapist will soothe the anxiety and fear of the unknown. If the patient feels safe and looks forward to sessions, they will likely learn and progress with developing skills.
How to Pair With a Client in ABA Therapy
ABA therapy pairing works by conditioning in the sense that the patient’s experience of the therapist and the session will be positive. Therefore, they will look forward to additional sessions and interactions.
This is accomplished through:
- Conditioned reinforcer
- Engaging activities
- Positive interactions
If the therapist repeatedly provides positive experiences and feedback, they will become a conditioned reinforcer of comfortable, enjoyable, and inspirational experiences in the patient’s mind. The therapist should choose ABA pairing activities that interest the patient. The therapist will use objects in the child’s environment, such as a favorite toy, treats, or songs, to make the experience rewarding. In addition, interactions with the therapist will be positive so the patient will feel comfortable and engaged.
Steps in ABA Therapy Pairing
The following are the steps in the pairing process for ABA:
- Observation
- Non-demand interaction
- Gradual introduction of demands
- Continuous reinforcement
- Fading reinforcement
The first step is observation, which involves knowing what the child reacts to, such as certain toys, games, and snacks. Next, it’s crucial to engage the child in enjoyable but not demanding activities to build a rapport and establish an association between the therapist’s visit and a pleasant experience. When trust is established, the therapist can gradually introduce modest demands with continuous reinforcement to make the interaction pleasant and encouraging. In later phases, the patient will no longer need constant reinforcement but will derive enjoyment from the activities themselves.
Examples of Pairing in ABA
Pairing can occur anywhere, mainly because the therapist uses objects in the patient’s environment to create a bond. There is significant flexibility in where these interactions can take place. The following are examples of ABA therapy pairing.
- In the home, parents can use daily chores as educational moments or enjoyable tasks like walking the dog or reading bedtime stories to bond and learn.
- In a clinical setting, therapists can ensure that the therapy room is equipped with toys, books, and snacks that the patient enjoys.
- At school, teachers can incorporate a sense of play and rewards into daily lessons to motivate students and give them a feeling of accomplishment.
Tips for Parents
Since patients likely see their parents daily, they can be invaluable in reinforcing ABA therapy principles. The following are useful tips for pairing in ABA that parents can use:
- Be consistent
- Be aware of motivators
- Be Patient
- Be willing to work with the therapist
To get the most out of treatment for your child, consistency at home is one way to reinforce what is developed during weekly sessions with a therapist. It’s helpful to make note of what is particularly motivating for your child–perhaps it is a specific toy or snack. ABA therapy pairing takes time, because it involves building an association that involves repetition of positive experiences, so patience is required. Create a communication channel with your child’s therapist to ensure you are on the same page regarding what works best and how to reinforce that at home.
Common Challenges and Solutions with ABA Therapy Pairing
Every system, including ABA therapy pairing, carries its challenges. It’s essential to be prepared for these challenges and to understand how to find solutions for issues that may arise.
- Resistance
- Difficulty identifying reinforcers
- Delayed progress
A patient may show reluctance to use ABA therapy pairing. That is understandable since children with autism may not readily create close bonds. One way to remedy this is to identify reinforcers accurately. If this isn’t so clear, spending more time observing the patient to see what is particularly meaningful to them is beneficial. Progress is likely to happen more rapidly with some patients than others. That is why patience and flexibility are required to foster a positive relationship.
For successful ABA Therapy pairing, finding a center with professionals with experience, compassion, and techniques to keep the patient motivated and engaged is essential. Flywheel Centers provides a collaborative approach tailor-made for every patient. For professional, caring ABA therapy for your child, contact Flywheel Centers today.
