Backward chaining is a procedure where the trainer completes all but the last step of the chain and the learner is taught to perform only the final step Once the learner masters the final step the trainer completes all but the last two steps and the learner performs the last two and so on moving backward through the chain This method is particularly effective for escapemaintained behaviors because the completion of the final step and thus the entire task results in the immediate removal of the task demand escape which functions as a powerful reinforcer For a client who consistently engages in escapemaintained behaviors allowing them to escape the task immediately after successfully completing the final step can be highly motivating Forward chaining teaches the first step first which might be difficult for a client who tries to escape early task demands Total task chaining requires the client to perform every step in the chain each time which could be overwhelming and lead to high rates of escape behavior if the task is long or difficult The Behavior Chain Interruption Strategy BCIS is typically used after a chain has been established to teach novel responses or to assess generalization not as an initial teaching method for acquiring the chain itself