What is a Task Analysis?
A task analysis is a process whereby a multi-step behavior or skill such as brushing teeth, is broken down into smaller steps that can be taught and reinforced. The task analysis is the step-by-step listing of the steps of the behavior.
Why is a Task Analysis Important?
A task analysis is an effective process used to identify and teach the steps necessary for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to become more independent. By breaking down a skill into small steps, the individual can be successful in learning that skill because it is taught in a systematic sequential order.
How do I Use a Task Analysis?
A task analysis can be used for a variety of behaviors within a variety of domains including self-help, communication, academic and other areas of life. There are also different ways to utilize a task analysis depending on the individual and the skill that is being taught. Some examples include, but are not limited to, using a checklist, using a checklist with pictures, or using pictures only.
Task Analysis Examples
Here are a few examples of task analyses. Note that the degree to which the behavior can be broken into smaller components depends on factors such as the individuals’ level of independence, the degree of difficulty of the task, and the environment in which the task is performed.
Going to the Bathroom (girl peeing)
- Walk into the bathroom
- Turn light on
- Close the door
- Pull pants down
- Pull underwear down
- Sit on toilet seat
- Go “pee”
- Pull off 6 pieces of toilet paper
- Fold toilet paper
- Wipe front to back
- Drop toilet paper into the toilet
- Stand up
- Pull underwear up
- Pull pants up
- Flush the toilet
- Walk to the sink
- Turn on the water
- Push soap dispenser 2 times
- Rub hands together
- Put hands under the water and rinse soap off
- Turn off the water
- Dry hands with towel
- Turn light off
- Walk out of the bathroom
Tying Shoes
- Start with laces straight out to each side of the shoe.
- Take the right lace (A) and cross the front of the shoe. Set it down on the left.
- Take the left lace (B) and cross it over the shoe (and other lace). Set it down on the right.
- At the top of the shoe, pull up on lace (A) with your left hand to make a little tunnel (with B still on top of A). Hold on to it.
- Pick up the end of lace (B) with your right hand (right side of the shoe) and drive it through the tunnel you are still holding with your left hand (sometimes this comes with train noises, “choo choo!”).
- Let go of lace (B) once it enters the tunnel, then grab it again with the same hand on the other side of the tunnel. Let go of lace (A) and grab the end of lace (A), which should still be on the left side of the shoe. Now you are holding the ends of both laces. Pull both laces.
- Let go of both laces. Make a loop on lace B (right lace) by touching the two dots together and pinching.
- Do the same with lace A (left lace).
- Cross the tops of both loops, with the right loop in front of the left. Make sure there is a space under the loops.
- Make 1 loop do a “flip”, turning one loop completely under the other by pushing it over the other loop and through the space below the 2 loops. Don’t let go of either lace!
- Pull them tight. The shoe is tied!