ABA Word of the Week: Pairing

Pairing is a key component at the beginning of any program. Whether it be a home program or within the school system pairing can help establish the relationship between teacher and pupil.

One of the basic ideas behind an individual’s program is: The individual will be much more motivated if (s)he is having fun. Therefore, as a therapist, you must become fun for the individual. We use pairing to help the child get used to the therapist/teacher and look forward to therapy/teaching sessions.

For the first 2-3 weeks (8-10 hours) the therapist will basically play with the individuals, getting to know him. Allow him to lead play and learn how much interaction he tolerates. Try to stay at least within his play space if he won’t let you actually interact. Be as energetic and engaging as possible! However, in addition to playing, the following should be done as well:

1) Establishing Trust: The child must learn to give up reinforcers, but in order for him to feel safe giving things up, he must believe he will get it back.
Throughout pairing, ask the child for a preferred item that he has:
• If he readily gives up the item : Make a comment or two about the item and give it back. Thank him for giving up the item. Slowly increase the amount of time he allows you to keep the item.

• If he does not readily give up the item: See how close he will let you go. Just touch the item and make a comment and thank him. Do this until he tolerates it, then try to hold on to the item with him. As tolerance for this forms, then quickly take the item and immediately give it back. Again praise him for letting you see the item. Slowly increase the amount of time he allows you to keep the item.

2) Association for Reinforcement: In order to solidify the child’s view of the therapist as fun and reinforcing, (s)he must become a bridge between him and him reinforcers. Many of his reinforcers should be slightly out of reach. This way he must go through the therapist to get them. In the beginning, try to anticipate his wants and provide them for him. Once the therapist starts discovering what items are particularly reinforcing, start to make him request (mand) for it.