What is task analysis?
A task analysis is an approach for teaching complex skills by breaking them down into manageable steps. Here is an example of a task analysis for the skill of putting on a t-shirt:
- Shirts in the dresser drawer → pick a shirt from the drawer
- Shirt in hand → Put shirt over your head
- Shirt over the head → Put one arm through the armhole
- Arm in the shirt → Put the other arm through the other armhole
- Both arms in the shirt → Grab the bottom of the shirt
- Bottom of the shirt in your hands → Pull the shirt down
A task analysis helps autistic people complete a complex skill or task through steps. In each step, it is broken down with the event or instruction first, then the person’s response as the goal. There is a different goal in each step, but follows in a systematic process to ultimately achieve reinforcement at the end, which is completing the complex skill or task.
Does it help you when tasks are broken down into steps? Think of a time you needed to break down a task into steps. Share your thoughts into the comments section.
The World of Autism 