woman and a man holding a dog

Behavior Skills Training (BST)

What is behavior skills training (BST)? Behavior skills training, otherwise known as BST, is a treatment package consisting of four components:

  1. Instruction
  2. Model
  3. Rehearsal/Practice
  4. Feedback
Step/Component Definition Example
Instruction Verbal & written instruction on how to complete a task, strategy, etc.
Make sure the learner reads the instructions out loud. Answer any questions the learner may have.		 ✔ A mother instructs her son to clean the bathroom and provides him a how-to guide of cleaning instructions.
✔ A supervisor instructs a clinical staff member how to run a goal and provides the staff member the goal in written format.
Model Provide the learner a correct model of the correct behavior.
Label actions while performing them to enhance clarity.		 ✔ A father models to his daughter how to brush her teeth by brushing his teeth and labeling what he is doing.
✔ A supervisor models the correct way to use priming strategies to a clinical staff member.
Rehearsal/Practice Have the learner practice the skill in front of you.
Provide praise for correct actions and constructive feedback for errors. Interrupt incorrect actions to prevent practice errors.		 ✔ A grandparent has their grandson practice having back-and-forth conversations.
✔ A supervisor has a clinical staff member practice using Alpha Commands and provides feedback on mistakes.
Feedback Providing feedback in forms of vocal, gestural, textual, or asking of questions.
Ensure feedback is positive, constructive, and includes reinforcement.		 ✔ Aunt says to her niece after she finishes tying her shoes, “You did amazing! Remember to focus on the last two steps to keep them tight.”
✔ The supervisor says to the clinical staff member, “You did great with providing choices. Remember to always provide two functionally equivalent choices.”

Skills Practice

Test your knowledge: Choose a skill you would want to teach the learner how to perform.

  1. Materials Need: Identify any materials needed to perform the skill.
    1. Whiteboard or paper to use textual prompts
    2. Task Analysis
    3. The items to perform the task. For example: Toothbrushing needs a toothbrush, toothpaste, and access to a sink with running water.
  2. Written Instruction: Write out the steps or use a Task Analysis to help the learner perform the skill. You can also use pictures if the learner is unable to read for each step.
  3. Practice: Practice with another adult—could be another parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or clinical staff member. It’s best to practice this skill outside of practicing with the learner to make sure we are masters of running BST.
  4. Action Time: Now it’s time to use BST with the learner. Do not be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.

Note: It may be necessary for the clinical team to model this skill (BST) as this can be challenging for novel learners.

Question: What are two things you did well during this skills practice?