Parents and caregivers of young people with autism often need some assistance in redirecting their child’s behaviors. Tactics for addressing behavioral challenges for neurodiverse learners may differ. As parenting techniques for neurotypical adolescents differ from child to child, so does parenting neurodiverse children.
One evidence-based, popular technique is positive reinforcement, which is part of ABA therapy. Positive reinforcement can help change behavioral outcomes even when environmental changes remain constant.
Let’s discuss what ABA therapy is, how positive reinforcement plays a role in the implementation of this therapy, and how it can contribute to building confidence and new skills.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a method of studying and modulating behavior based on the study of how cognitive responses and environmental stimuli affect behavior. The ABA method of behavior study includes the study of antecedents, behaviors, and consequences.
- Antecedent. The antecedent is the set of circumstances that precede a behavior. This could be a task request like picking up toys or getting out of bed when the alarm clock rings.
- Behavior. Behavior is the action that follows the antecedent. Examples of a behavior could be following or not following instructions, like brushing teeth or sharing toys.
- Consequence. The consequence follows the behavior and can be positive or negative. A positive consequence for following the antecedent might be earning playtime. A negative consequence of name-calling would involve not getting to do a preferred activity.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) rely on positive consequences, known as positive reinforcements, which can make learning enjoyable and fun.
Understanding Positive Reinforcement
The role of positive reinforcement is key to the success of ABA therapy. Stemming from B.F. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning, positive reinforcement helps to encourage the same behavior the next time similar circumstances arise.
The Environment
Many times, an individual’s environment before they make a decision cannot be changed. This is true, for instance, in the case of crossing the street. While we cannot force the street to be safer or direct traffic off of the roadway, we can encourage the child to choose to cross the street safely by offering positive reinforcement when they do.
Positive Reinforcement vs. Negative Reinforcement
- Positive reinforcement adds to a consequence, while negative reinforcement takes away. Awarding a child with an activity, praise, or a favorite item adds to the consequence of their behavior.
- Negative reinforcement, also known as punishment, takes away. For instance, negative reinforcement could mean taking away a toy or losing privileges if a task isn’t completed.
It’s important to keep in mind that in life, some positive and negative reinforcements occur naturally. If you stay in the sun too long, the negative reinforcement is that you might get a sunburn. Brushing your teeth regularly can result in less cavities. Understanding this cause-and-effect helps people stay safe and live happy lives inside and outside the classroom.
Associating happy outcomes with positive behaviors is the goal of positive reinforcement in ABA therapy. Learning when and how to implement them is essential – read on for more specifics below.
How Positive Reinforcement Is Implemented in ABA Therapy
ABA therapy uses reinforcement in a range of settings, like play-based learning and one-on-one therapy.
Several types of reinforcement can be used, including:
- Tangible. Tangible reinforcement is something that a person wants, like a piece of candy or a gift.
- Social. Social reinforcement can mean praise from a caretaker or parent after a positive behavior, or the acceptance by a peer that tells them they’ve made a socially acceptable choice.
- Activity. Awarding constructive behavior with a fun activity is another method of positive reinforcement.
- Token. A token system of reinforcement, also known as a token economy, means that for every occurrence of a desired behavior, the child receives a token. When they have a collection of tokens, they can trade them for a bigger reward. Token boards encompass visual and tangible rewards.
Positive reinforcement helps produce more positive behaviors. Positive reinforcement creates an environment that’s supportive and motivating and contributes to better self-esteem and independence.
In studies, positive reinforcement helps reduce escape behaviors in children with autism better than negative reinforcement does. Such research suggests that someone’s behavior can be modulated even when the environment doesn’t change.
Stay Positive and Seek Help
Helping our kids thrive is our goal, and it can be a challenge. Learning everything we can to help them succeed is essential in establishing a bright future for them and helping them work towards a level of confident independence as an adult.
Brad Zelinger is the Founder and CEO of Stride Autism Centers.
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