- Through the use of positive reinforcement and consistency, desired behaviors are likely to be repeated.
- Individualized positive reinforcement for autism can significantly improve learning and behavior in our children.
- Positive reinforcement can include preferred items or activities, positive verbal praise or social interactions.
The most effective individual tool for behavior modification, particularly in children with developmental variations, is positive reinforcement. It occurs by introducing a reward immediately following the target behavior, making the target behavior desirable to repeat.
Regardless of whether a skill requires communication, adherence to instructions, or performance of daily routines, rewards create excellent motivation and can facilitate the development of crucial skills.
How Does Positive Reinforcement Work?
Positive reinforcement is effective for children with autism because it is direct, systematic, and leads to something that brings the child joy, while also encouraging productive behavior. Therapists and parents can find a special reward that is unique to the child and the behavior being targeted. This could be as simple as a sticker, praise, or brief break from homework, allowing parents and therapists can turn daily living into learning. The most important step is to provide positive reinforcement immediately after the behavior so that the child can connect the behavior with the reward.
At Excel Together, it is our goal to provide our clients with opportunities to contact positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement provides the child immediate access to a preferred activity or item following the display of a wanted behavior. Through the use of Positive reinforcement, our clients learn to increase desired behaviors in an empowering manner..
Individualization Is Key
Good reinforcement approaches are responsive to the individual needs and interests of the child. For example, some enjoy the attention of other people, but others prefer play or preferred toys. Either way, the reward must be significant to the child, and it must be offered consistently. This is a core aspect of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. Understanding what the child values and the skills that need to be strengthened are essential to successful positive reinforcement. Used correctly, positive reinforcement for autism can strengthen more adaptive behavior and, over time, bolster a child’s independence.
Working as a Team
In addition to the consistency of rewards, consistency among caregivers is also vital. Positive reinforcement works best when everyone working with the child is consistent: parents, therapists, teachers, and other caregivers. Maintaining an ongoing discussion of what is being reinforced and how the rewards are being delivered sustains a climate in which children can learn better and feel more confident.
Used consistently and judiciously, positive reinforcement for autism has the potential to be a powerful tool for children on the spectrum and their families. Start your child’s journey with caring, positive reinforcement and ABA therapy with Excel Together.