configs/task_analysis/taxonomy.yaml

# Task Analysis / Chaining taxonomy — TRACE v1
# Self-contained: AFLS skills broken into step lists, chain types, prompting.
# Citation: CHH 2020 Ch. 23; Slocum & Tiger 2011 JABA; Partington & Mueller 2012.

method:
  id: task_analysis
  name: Task Analysis / Chaining
  short: Task Analysis
  citation: "Cooper, Heron, Heward (2020) Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed.), Ch. 23; Slocum, S. K. & Tiger, J. H. (2011). JABA, 44(4), 793–805; Partington & Mueller 2012 (AFLS)."
  when_to_use: >
    Multi-step skills with a natural sequence — toileting, handwashing,
    dressing, cooking, cleaning, classroom routines, community tasks,
    vocational routines.

# Chain types
chain_types:
  - id: forward
    name: Forward chaining
    description: "Teach step 1 to mastery, then 1->2, then 1->2->3, progressively adding later steps."
    best_for: "Skills where early steps are simple and the chain grows in complexity."
  - id: backward
    name: Backward chaining
    description: "Complete all steps for the learner except the last; teach the last step first, then work backward. The final reinforcer (task completion) is always present for the learner."
    best_for: "Skills where the terminal reinforcer is salient (bathing, dressing, meal cleanup)."
  - id: total_task
    name: Total-task presentation
    description: "Prompt the learner through the entire chain every trial; fade prompts across all steps simultaneously."
    best_for: "Skills with few steps, or when all steps are similar in difficulty."

# Prompt hierarchies commonly used in chaining
prompt_hierarchies:
  - id: graduated_guidance
    name: Graduated Guidance
    description: "Hand-over-hand physical guidance with fading pressure; move to shadow, then independent."
    best_for: "Self-care and motor-dominant chains."
  - id: most_to_least
    name: Most-to-Least
    description: "Start with full-physical prompt at each step; fade to partial physical, gestural, verbal, independent."
    best_for: "Acquisition phase; new chains."
  - id: least_to_most
    name: Least-to-Most
    description: "Allow independent attempt; add progressively more intrusive prompts only if learner does not initiate."
    best_for: "Partial-repertoire chains; promoting independence."

# Error correction procedures appropriate for chaining
error_corrections:
  - id: back_to_previous_step
    name: Back-step + re-approach
    steps: "Return to the previously-mastered step; re-execute that step correctly; then re-attempt the missed step with one prompt level above the last independent level."
  - id: model_prompt_fade
    name: Model -> prompt -> fade
    steps: "Demonstrate the correct step; provide physical or gestural prompt as needed; fade prompt across subsequent trials."
  - id: task_reset
    name: Task reset
    steps: "Pause the chain; reset environmental stimuli; restart the chain from the beginning with full prompts at the previously-missed step."

# Reinforcement schedules for chaining
reinforcement_schedules:
  - id: crf_per_step
    name: CRF per step (acquisition)
    description: "Continuous reinforcement for each correctly-completed step during acquisition."
  - id: terminal_reinforcement
    name: Terminal reinforcement (mastered)
    description: "Reinforcement delivered only at chain completion; no per-step reinforcement."
  - id: differential_per_step
    name: Differential per-step + terminal
    description: "Small per-step reinforcement for independent responses; larger reinforcer at chain completion."
  - id: token_economy
    name: Token economy
    description: "One token per correctly-completed step; token exchange at chain completion."

# Mastery criteria for chains (independence) vs toleration programs.
# Generator filters by applies_to when picking a criterion.
mastery_criteria:
  - id: mc_all_steps_independent
    applies_to: independence
    text: "100% of steps completed independently (no prompts) across 3 consecutive trials of the full chain."
  - id: mc_fluent_chain
    applies_to: independence
    text: "Full chain completed within {fluency_seconds}s across 3 consecutive sessions with independent responding on all steps."
  - id: mc_generalization
    applies_to: independence
    text: "Full chain completed independently with 2 different adults in 2 different settings across 2 consecutive days."
  - id: mc_self_initiation
    applies_to: independence
    text: "Chain self-initiated from the appropriate antecedent (no verbal prompt to begin) across 3 consecutive opportunities."
  - id: mc_toleration_full_duration
    applies_to: toleration
    text: "End-goal duration tolerated across 3 consecutive sessions with no safety behaviors (refusal, crying, SIB, aggression, property destruction)."
  - id: mc_toleration_caregivers
    applies_to: toleration
    text: "End-goal activity tolerated with 2 different caregivers (primary caregiver + one other) across 2 consecutive weeks."
  - id: mc_toleration_settings
    applies_to: toleration
    text: "End-goal activity tolerated across 2 different settings (e.g., home and clinic) across 2 consecutive weeks without safety behaviors."

# AFLS skill domains — learner profile + module + skill + step definitions
afls:
  modules:
    - id: basic_living
      name: Basic Living Skills
      learner_profiles: [school_age, adolescent, adult]
      # Two kinds of programs in this module:
      #   - "steps" field = independence-focused chaining (learner performs the skill with
      #     graduated prompts)
      #   - "shaping_steps" field = toleration program (learner allows staff or caregiver
      #     to perform the skill; duration-based shaping of tolerance)
      # Some real skills have BOTH variants depending on learner profile and history.
      skills:
        - name: washing hands
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Walk to the sink.
            - Turn on the water.
            - Wet hands under the water.
            - Apply soap to hands.
            - Rub hands together for 15–20 seconds, covering fronts, backs, and between fingers.
            - Rinse hands thoroughly under the water.
            - Turn off the water.
            - Dry hands with a towel.
        - name: brushing teeth
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Collect toothbrush and toothpaste.
            - Wet the toothbrush under water.
            - Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
            - Brush upper-front teeth in small circles for 30 seconds.
            - Brush lower-front teeth in small circles for 30 seconds.
            - Brush upper-back teeth (left and right).
            - Brush lower-back teeth (left and right).
            - Spit into the sink and rinse mouth.
            - Rinse the toothbrush and return it to the holder.
        - name: putting on a shirt (pullover)
          chain_type_preferred: backward
          steps:
            - Hold the shirt with the front facing away.
            - Place both arms into the sleeves.
            - Pull the opening over the head.
            - Push arms through the sleeves fully.
            - Pull the bottom of the shirt down to straighten it.
        - name: putting on pants
          chain_type_preferred: backward
          steps:
            - Sit or stand securely.
            - Hold pants with the front facing away.
            - Place one leg into the corresponding pant leg.
            - Place the other leg into the other pant leg.
            - Pull pants up to the waist.
            - Fasten the button / zipper / velcro.
        - name: showering
          chain_type_preferred: backward
          steps:
            - Enter the shower and close the curtain.
            - Turn on the water and adjust temperature.
            - Wet body completely.
            - Apply soap to a washcloth.
            - Wash body systematically (face -> torso -> arms -> legs -> feet).
            - Rinse all soap off.
            - Apply shampoo and rub into hair.
            - Rinse hair completely.
            - Turn off the water.
            - Exit the shower and dry off with a towel.
        - name: toileting routine
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Recognize the need and walk to the bathroom.
            - Close the door for privacy.
            - Lower clothing appropriately.
            - Sit on the toilet.
            - Complete the elimination.
            - Use toilet paper correctly.
            - Stand and pull clothing up.
            - Flush the toilet.
            - Wash hands.

        # Toleration programs
        # For learners who do not tolerate the activity being performed on them.
        # Goal is NOT to do it independently — goal is to allow caregiver/staff to
        # complete the activity without refusal, crying, SIB, or aggression, with
        # duration shaped incrementally.
        - name: tolerating tooth brushing by caregiver
          program_type: toleration
          target_activity: tooth brushing performed by caregiver
          end_goal_description: "full 2-minute tooth-brushing routine completed by caregiver without refusal, crying, SIB, or aggression"
          shaping_steps:
            - "1-second toothbrush contact with teeth"
            - "3 seconds of brushing"
            - "5 seconds of brushing"
            - "15 seconds of brushing"
            - "30 seconds of brushing"
            - "60 seconds of brushing"
            - "Full 2-minute brushing routine"

        - name: tolerating hair washing by caregiver
          program_type: toleration
          target_activity: hair washing / shampooing performed by caregiver
          end_goal_description: "full hair-washing routine completed by caregiver without refusal or safety behaviors"
          shaping_steps:
            - "5 seconds of water on hair"
            - "15 seconds of water on hair"
            - "Shampoo applied without lathering"
            - "30 seconds of gentle lathering"
            - "60 seconds of lathering"
            - "Full rinse"
            - "Full routine: wet -> shampoo -> lather -> rinse"

        - name: tolerating nail clipping
          program_type: toleration
          target_activity: nail clipping performed by caregiver
          end_goal_description: "all 10 fingernails (and optionally toenails) clipped by caregiver without refusal, pulling hand away, or safety behaviors"
          shaping_steps:
            - "1 fingernail clipped"
            - "2 fingernails clipped in one sitting"
            - "5 fingernails clipped (one hand)"
            - "All 10 fingernails clipped"
            - "All 10 fingernails + 10 toenails clipped"

        - name: tolerating haircut
          program_type: toleration
          target_activity: haircut by caregiver or stylist
          end_goal_description: "full haircut (10+ minutes) completed without refusal, leaving the chair, or safety behaviors"
          shaping_steps:
            - "Sit in the chair with cape on for 30 seconds"
            - "Tolerate 1 minute of quiet sitting with cape"
            - "Tolerate 2 minutes of brief clipping"
            - "Tolerate 5 minutes of clipping"
            - "Tolerate 10 minutes of clipping"
            - "Tolerate full haircut routine"

        - name: tolerating showering assistance
          program_type: toleration
          target_activity: showering / bathing performed with caregiver assistance
          end_goal_description: "full assisted shower routine completed without refusal, exiting the shower, or safety behaviors"
          shaping_steps:
            - "Stand in shower for 30 seconds with water off"
            - "Tolerate 10 seconds of water on body"
            - "Tolerate 30 seconds of water on body"
            - "Tolerate soap application to torso"
            - "Tolerate full body wash by caregiver"
            - "Full assisted shower routine"

        - name: tolerating medical exam
          program_type: toleration
          target_activity: routine medical exam by clinician
          end_goal_description: "full routine exam (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, otoscope, temperature) completed without refusal or safety behaviors"
          shaping_steps:
            - "Enter and sit in the exam room"
            - "Tolerate stethoscope contact for 5 seconds"
            - "Tolerate blood pressure cuff on arm"
            - "Tolerate otoscope in ear"
            - "Tolerate temperature reading"
            - "Tolerate full routine exam"

    - id: home
      name: Home Skills
      learner_profiles: [adolescent, adult]
      skills:
        - name: making the bed
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Strip any disheveled linens and lay them flat.
            - Straighten the bottom sheet across the mattress.
            - Place the top sheet evenly over the mattress.
            - Tuck the top sheet in at the foot of the bed.
            - Place the comforter over the top sheet.
            - Place pillows at the head of the bed.
            - Smooth the comforter surface.
        - name: meal cleanup
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Stack used dishes on one side of the table.
            - Carry dishes to the sink or dishwasher.
            - Rinse food residue into the trash or disposal.
            - Load dishes into the dishwasher (or wash by hand).
            - Wipe the table with a damp cloth.
            - Put away any leftover food into containers.
            - Place containers in the refrigerator.
        - name: dishwashing by hand
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Scrape food residue into the trash.
            - Fill the sink with warm, soapy water.
            - Wash each dish systematically with a sponge.
            - Rinse each dish under clean water.
            - Place each dish on the drying rack.
            - Drain the sink and wipe it down.
        - name: operating the dishwasher
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Collect dirty dishes from the table and sink area.
            - Scrape any solid food residue into the trash.
            - Rinse dishes briefly under water.
            - Open the dishwasher door.
            - Load plates and bowls into the bottom rack.
            - Load cups, glasses, and small items into the top rack.
            - Place utensils handle-down in the utensil basket.
            - Add detergent to the detergent dispenser.
            - Close the dishwasher door.
            - Select the appropriate wash cycle and press Start.
        - name: unloading the dishwasher
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Open the dishwasher once the cycle is complete.
            - Unload the top rack first (cups, glasses, small items).
            - Put cups and glasses away in the correct cabinet.
            - Unload the utensil basket.
            - Put utensils away in the drawer.
            - Unload the bottom rack (plates, bowls, larger items).
            - Put plates and bowls away in the correct cabinet.
            - Close the dishwasher door.
        - name: doing laundry
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Sort laundry by color (lights / darks / whites).
            - Load the washing machine with one color group.
            - Add detergent according to instructions.
            - Select the correct wash cycle and start the machine.
            - When complete, move clothes to the dryer.
            - Start the dryer on the correct cycle.
            - When dry, fold clothes by category.
            - Put folded clothes away in drawers or closet.
        - name: simple meal preparation (sandwich)
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Collect all ingredients (bread, filling, spread).
            - Place two slices of bread on the plate.
            - Apply spread to one slice.
            - Place filling on the spread slice.
            - Place the second slice on top.
            - Cut the sandwich in half if desired.
            - Place on a plate to serve.

    - id: community
      name: Community Participation Skills
      learner_profiles: [adolescent, adult]
      skills:
        - name: crossing a street safely
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Approach the crosswalk and stop at the curb.
            - Look left, look right, look left again.
            - Identify the walk signal or absence of traffic.
            - Begin to cross while continuing to scan for vehicles.
            - Cross directly to the opposite curb.
            - Step up onto the sidewalk.
        - name: ordering in a restaurant
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Approach the counter or wait to be seated.
            - Review the menu.
            - Decide on a choice.
            - Place the order verbally (or with an AAC device).
            - Respond to clarifying questions.
            - Pay using money or a card.
            - Wait for the order and collect it.
        - name: using public transportation
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Confirm the correct stop or station.
            - Purchase or have the fare ready.
            - Wait at the designated boarding area.
            - Board the vehicle when it arrives.
            - Pay the fare or present the pass.
            - Sit or stand safely.
            - Monitor the route for the correct stop.
            - Exit at the correct stop.

    - id: vocational
      name: Vocational Skills
      learner_profiles: [adolescent, adult]
      skills:
        - name: clocking in at start of shift
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Arrive at the workplace by the scheduled time.
            - Locate the time clock or digital system.
            - Enter identification (ID card / badge / code).
            - Confirm the clock-in timestamp.
            - Notify the supervisor or check the day's task list.
            - Proceed to the assigned workstation.
        - name: completing assigned tasks in order
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Review the task list for the shift.
            - Gather needed materials for the first task.
            - Complete the first task to the specified standard.
            - Mark the first task complete on the list.
            - Return materials to storage.
            - Move to the next task on the list and repeat.

    - id: independent_living
      name: Independent Living Skills
      learner_profiles: [adult]
      skills:
        - name: taking medication as prescribed
          chain_type_preferred: total_task
          steps:
            - Check the medication schedule at the scheduled time.
            - Collect the correct medication bottle.
            - Confirm the dose against the label.
            - Measure or count the correct dose.
            - Take the medication with water.
            - Log the dose in the medication tracker.
            - Return the bottle to its storage location.
        - name: scheduling a medical appointment
          chain_type_preferred: forward
          steps:
            - Identify the reason for the appointment.
            - Locate the provider's contact information.
            - Call or use the online system.
            - Provide name, date of birth, and insurance information.
            - Request an available appointment time.
            - Confirm the appointment and save it to the calendar.