Ensuring Long-Term Success
It is not enough for a client to perform a skill in the clinic with you. They must do it at home, school, and next month. This is where generalization and maintenance come in.
Generalization
The behavior occurs across different settings, people, and times. If Johnny ties his shoes at home and at school, the skill has generalized. Train with multiple exemplars (different shoes) effectively. Across environments.
Maintenance
The behavior continues to occur after the intervention has stopped. If Johnny still ties his shoes six months after you stopped giving him tokens for it, the skill has maintained. Durability over time.
Planning for It
Don't hope for it; plan for it. Bring in parents (people), go to the playground (settings), and thin reinforcement schedules to natural levels. This ensures lasting change.