top of page

Examples of Task-Analysis in Practice

nevertbsprout

"Task analysis" is a technique used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that breaks down difficult skills into smaller, more manageable steps so that people can learn each one in turn and eventually finish the task on their own. It's a vital tool for teaching social skills, communication, and everyday living skills to people with developmental disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum.

 

Some people on the autism spectrum may find even seemingly straightforward tasks to be extremely difficult. Comprehending every step required for a given activity can help identify any steps that require additional guidance and will aid in teaching the task in a logical flow. This could result in a better comprehension of each phase. The ultimate method is essentially a process of trial and error, whereby a preliminary task analysis is produced and subsequently improved upon by field testing.

 

When creating task analyses, it's critical to keep in mind the individual's age, skill level, communication and processing capacities, and past task-related experiences. In light of these variables, task analysis can require customization. Additionally, keep in mind that people on the autism spectrum often interpret language literally. When creating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, for instance, children who have been instructed to spread the peanut butter on the bread have actually just spread the entire jar over the bread. It's critical that each phase has an operational definition.

 

Task analyses (TAs) are used to teach everyday living skills like tooth brushing, bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and doing various housework tasks. Task analysis can also be used to teach kids how to complete school-related chores, such dining in the cafeteria, getting ready in the morning, finishing homework, and other tasks. Task analysis is helpful in desensitization programs as well, such as accepting noisy settings or buzzers, getting your teeth cleaned, or getting a haircut. Some examples of task analysis in practice are:


1.Washing hands, when teaching a child how to wash hands an example of the steps for a TA could be as follows:

 

  • Turn on faucet

  • Place hands under water

  • Dispense soap

  • Rub palms to count of 5

  • Rub back of left hand to count of 5

  • Rub back of right hand to count of 5

  • Turn off water

  • Take paper towel

  • Dry hands to count of 5

  • Throw paper towel away


2.Another example where a task analysis would be good to implement is when teaching a child to put a coat on:


  • Pick up the coat by the collar (the inside of the coat should be facing you)

  • Place your right arm in the right sleeve hole

  • Push your arm through until you can see your hand at the other end

  • Reach behind with your left hand

  • Place your arm in the left sleeve hole

  • Move your arm through until you see your hand at the other end

  • Pull the coat together in the front

  • Zip the coat


The exact number of actions and language utilized will vary from person to person. Collecting baseline data and/or assessing the person's capacity to fulfill some or all of the necessary stages are frequently necessary in order to identify the steps for a TA as well as the beginning point for an individual. Regardless of whether a performance was accurate or not, progress is recorded at every stage in the task analysis data gathering process. This gives information about the steps the learner can complete and where more instruction or assistance is required. Keep in mind that the TA could need to be updated after implementation gets underway in order to accommodate any new requirements.

14 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Accredited ABA therapy agency

info@sproutbehavioralservices.com

Office: (954) 552-6668​
Fax: (954) 206-5584
Privacy Policy

🔵Cooper City Clinic

11011 Sheridan Street Suite 210, Hollywood, Fl 33026​

🔵Wellington Clinic

1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington, Fl 33414​

🔵Boynton Beach Day Program

12393 Hagen Ranch Rd #305, Boynton Beach, FL 33437

  • alt.text.label.Facebook
  • alt.text.label.LinkedIn
bottom of page