Pairing in ABA Therapy

Research indicates that pairing is an effective tool in ABA therapy. Here are some key principles behind the concept of pairing:

• Reinforcement Theory. Associating positive things—like a favorite game, toy, or activity—with sessions with their therapist can play a huge role in encouraging a child’s involvement and learning.
• Establishing Operations. Integral to reinforcement theory is the concept of establishing operations (EOs). EOs are simply things that can make an activity more likely to occur because they increase a child’s motivation to participate. For example, playing a favorite game while working on a therapy goal makes a child more likely to engage in therapy.

Pairing is an effective tool, and there are some key things therapists at InBloom incorporate into pairing to optimize learning and growth.

Establishing a Positive and Fun Environment

Creating an atmosphere of joy and delight goes a long way in ABA therapy. Our therapists use pairing to make enjoyment and positivity the foundation of your child’s therapy.

Associating the Therapist With Preferred Activities

Creating time for a child to engage in their favorite activities not only makes learning more enjoyable and fosters growth, but it helps make interactions with their RBT more positive. This builds rapport and enhances your child’s learning and development.

Following a Child’s Motivation

In ABA therapy, keying in on what sparks joy in a child is important. A skilled therapist can follow a child’s motivation and use their favorite activities or games as a setting for teaching new skills. This is one aspect of incidental teaching, a therapy approach that goes hand-in-hand with pairing.

Pairing can open up exciting horizons in therapy at InBloom. Let’s explore some of the benefits of pairing for your child.

Encouraging Willing Participation in Therapy

When your child is enjoying themselves in therapy, they are naturally more motivated to continue learning and making an effort to build their new skills. Pairing can go a long way in making ABA therapy enjoyable and natural.

Improved Learning and Skill Growth

Building a positive connection between therapist and child can do wonders in helping a child learn and grow in their new skills.

Strengthening Communication and Social Skills

Positive reinforcement—like praise or words of encouragement—is a big part of pairing. This reinforcement gives kiddos a boost as they build and strengthen communication and social skills. When new communication skills unlock positive social connections and facilitate fun, kiddos are more likely to learn these skills and generalize them across many real-life settings.

Builds Parent Collaboration

We know that parents, caregivers, and families are central to a child’s life and development. That’s why we actively involve you as a key part of the therapy process. Through parent teaching sessions, your child’s BCBA can help you understand how to use the principles of pairing at home to foster continued learning.