✅ The "Establishing Rapport" Checklist
Phase 1: Preparation (Before the Learner arrives)
● [ ] Identify High-Value Items: Check the Preference Assessment or ask the
BCBA/Parents what the learner loves today.
● [ ] Check the "No" List: Know what the learner hates (e.g., loud noises, certain
textures) to avoid "de-pairing."
● [ ] Prep Materials: Have the toys/edibles ready so there is no "dead time" or waiting.
Phase 2: Initial Interaction (The "First 15 Minutes")
● [ ] Avoid Demands: Do not ask the learner to "sit down," "look at me," or "touch your
nose."
● [ ] Follow the Lead: If the learner goes to the blocks, you go to the blocks. If they walk
to the window, you walk to the window (at a respectful distance).
● [ ] Narrate, Don't Interrogate: Instead of asking "What are you building?", say "Wow,
you put a red block on top! It's getting so tall!"
● [ ] Be the "Helper": If they are building a train track, hand them the next piece before
they have to ask for it.
Phase 3: Testing for Rapport (Signs it's working)
● [ ] Proximity: Does the learner move closer to you when you have a toy?
● [ ] Eye Contact/Affect: Is the learner smiling, laughing, or looking at you to share a
moment?
● [ ] Initiation: Does the learner hand you a toy or try to get your attention?
● [ ] Assent: When you move to a different area, does the learner follow you?
⚠️ The "Pairing Pitfalls" (What to Avoid)
● The "Questioning" Trap: Don't turn play into a quiz (e.g., "What color is this? How
many are there?").
● Being the "Taker": Don't take toys away to "see if they'll ask for it back" during the initial
pairing phase.
● Invading the Bubble: If the learner moves away, don't chase them. Wait for them to
look back, then offer a reinforcer.
● "Value Sapping": Don't pair a favorite toy with a hard task too early. You will "sap" the
value of the toy.
Phase 1: Preparation (Before the Learner arrives)
● [ ] Identify High-Value Items: Check the Preference Assessment or ask the
BCBA/Parents what the learner loves today.
● [ ] Check the "No" List: Know what the learner hates (e.g., loud noises, certain
textures) to avoid "de-pairing."
● [ ] Prep Materials: Have the toys/edibles ready so there is no "dead time" or waiting.
Phase 2: Initial Interaction (The "First 15 Minutes")
● [ ] Avoid Demands: Do not ask the learner to "sit down," "look at me," or "touch your
nose."
● [ ] Follow the Lead: If the learner goes to the blocks, you go to the blocks. If they walk
to the window, you walk to the window (at a respectful distance).
● [ ] Narrate, Don't Interrogate: Instead of asking "What are you building?", say "Wow,
you put a red block on top! It's getting so tall!"
● [ ] Be the "Helper": If they are building a train track, hand them the next piece before
they have to ask for it.
Phase 3: Testing for Rapport (Signs it's working)
● [ ] Proximity: Does the learner move closer to you when you have a toy?
● [ ] Eye Contact/Affect: Is the learner smiling, laughing, or looking at you to share a
moment?
● [ ] Initiation: Does the learner hand you a toy or try to get your attention?
● [ ] Assent: When you move to a different area, does the learner follow you?
⚠️ The "Pairing Pitfalls" (What to Avoid)
● The "Questioning" Trap: Don't turn play into a quiz (e.g., "What color is this? How
many are there?").
● Being the "Taker": Don't take toys away to "see if they'll ask for it back" during the initial
pairing phase.
● Invading the Bubble: If the learner moves away, don't chase them. Wait for them to
look back, then offer a reinforcer.
● "Value Sapping": Don't pair a favorite toy with a hard task too early. You will "sap" the
value of the toy.
