Video Modeling

Every child learns in different ways. Some may be very good at following spoken directions and interpreting written words, while others may benefit from visual aids.

Young children especially benefit from modeling strategies, in which an adult physically shows them how to perform a new skill so that they can “follow the model” that’s been set for them.

Children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often very visual learners. They respond much better to pictures and other visual aids, as they help them to understand what is being communicated to them and what they are supposed to do.

This is a major reason why applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, integrates different modeling strategies into treatment plans for children on the autism spectrum. There are various types of modeling strategies in ABA therapy, and video modeling is one that may prove very successful for certain children.

Here, we’ll discuss what video modeling is, how it works and why it resonates well for children with autism.

Table Of Contents

What is Video Modeling?

Video modeling is just one instruction strategy that ABA therapists use to teach children with ASD new skills or to help them modify certain behaviors. It leverages the power of video recordings in the teachings so that the children have a visual aid that can guide them as they’re learning.

Like all other strategies used in ABA therapy, video modeling is highly targeted. It is used to teach specific skills and/or target specific behaviors that need to be modified.

The video will show a model performing the skill or target behavior themselves. That person could be a teacher, a familiar person or even a peer.

The visual aid of the video helps to make what’s being taught to children in sessions more real, practical and applicable. It will give clear instructions of what it is they’re supposed to do and then physically show the child how to do it.

Not only does this provide great instructions, but it also serves as something that they can mimic and imitate as they’re beginning to learn.

What Benefits Does Video Modeling Provide?

As mentioned, video modeling is particularly useful for people who are visual learners. In fact, it has proven effective for all visual learners, regardless of their age and developmental abilities.

There are a number of reasons why video modeling is so beneficial for visual learners, including …

• Enhanced learning: Children with autism sometimes have difficulty translating theoretical concepts that are taught into practical action. Video modeling can make this easier.
• Motivation: Children with ASD are often more engaged in learning when they’re watching videos compared to traditional methods of instruction. This motivates them to actually want to learn.
• Independence: Video modeling promotes autonomy, since children can watch the videos and learn at the pace that works for them.
• Comfort: Some children on the autism spectrum may feel overwhelmed and anxious during traditional instruction. Videos can help break down those barriers so learning can take place.
• Repetition: Children can view videos over and over again to learn the new skills. This makes it easier for parents, caregivers and others to emphasize the teachings even after ABA therapy sessions are over.

How is Video Modeling Used in ABA Therapy?

For video modeling to be effective in ABA therapy, it needs to be targeted to specific skills you want the patient to learn or behaviors you want them to modify. To that end, videos will need to be recorded of people performing whatever it is that you desire for the patient to learn.

Luckily, it’s very easy to do this today. ABA therapists can use a smartphone or tablet to record themselves modeling a skill or behavior, or they can take a video of someone else doing it — such as the child’s parent.

Regardless of who is performing the skill or behavior on the video, it’s important to have a set plan before recording. The content needs to be tailored specifically to one individual skill or behavior, and the instructions that are given in the video need to be clear and easy for the child to follow.

It’s always a good idea to model the skill or behavior slower than you might if you were trying to teach a neurotypical child. This will give the child with ASD the chance to fully consume, absorb and grasp what is being taught to them.

When showing the child the video, make sure that they can clearly see the screen that it’s being played on, and make sure that there are limited distractions in the room. Have them watch the video all the way through first, and then see if they can imitate to you the skill or behavior that’s being demonstrated in the video.

As the child progresses in learning the skill or behavior, have them watch the video and perform the action as the model is doing so. This will result in more applicable learning.

Blue Gems ABA Uses Modeling Strategies to Teach Children with ASD

Modeling is an important teaching strategy that is used in ABA therapy. Video modeling is one form of it, and it helps children grasp new skills or behaviors in a way that is easy for them to understand and mimic.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of BCBAs integrates video modeling and many other teaching strategies into all ABA therapy sessions. We create personalized treatment plans that are based on each individual child’s preferences, strengths and challenges, which helps the sessions be more successful.

To learn more, please contact us today.