Step 1.1a Discrete or chained skill?

The next step is to determine if the target skill or behavior is a discrete or chained skill.

A discrete task or skill is a discrete task requires a single response. Discrete skills could be pointing to objects, naming objects, holding out a hand, or a task of putting objects in a container.

EXAMPLES OF DISCRETE TASKS

  • pointing to or reaching for an object to request
  • requesting an object verbally using the first sound in the word for the object
  • pushing a truck on a “road” to a toy garage.

A chained task requires a number of individual behaviors which are chained or sequenced together to form a more complex skill.

EXAMPLES OF CHAINED TASKS

  • washing hands
  • brushing hair
  • completing a sequence of a play scheme