Shaping is an ABA technique that provides differential reinforcement for a progression of responses that are similar to the target response. It is the use of successive approximations of the desired behavior.
The process of Shaping starts by breaking down the desired behavior into smaller and more manageable steps. Each step that the child successfully achieved is one step closer to achieving the main goal.
For example, the goal is to teach the child to say the word “ball”. Firstly, reinforce approximation by teaching the sound “b”. After that, proceed with the succeeding sounds until the child can finally say the whole word.
For shaping process to be successful, it requires a clear behavioral objective and target behavior. The facilitator should also be keen on monitoring the child’s progress and be able to know when it is necessary to withdraw or deliver reinforcement.