Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a powerful tool to help those with autism and other developmental disabilities learn skills and behaviors that improve their quality of life. A crucial tool in ABA is reinforcement.
But what is reinforcement in ABA therapy? It’s a process that ABA therapists use to encourage desired behaviors and skill development.
Learn more about reinforcement and how it can help you or your loved one.
What Is Reinforcement in ABA Therapy?
Reinforcement in ABA therapy is when something is given or taken away after a child (or adult) to encourage the adaption of desired behavior instead of a maladaptive behavior. It’s a tool used to motivate a child to learn and grow through their ABA sessions. The goal is to have unnatural reinforcers, such as rewards, phase out as the child performs these actions naturally.
It’s important to remember that children needing ABA therapy may struggle with basic tasks more than the average child. The reinforcement of the desired behaviors often provides the extra motivation they need to push through the difficult task.
Reinforcement is not bribery.
There is a distinct difference between the two. While both technically reward a child for doing a task they might not like, bribery is usually given before the task is done and encourages better behavior in the future.
Reinforcement is offered when the task is presented but only given once it’s done. For example, a parent could say, “If you promise that you’ll do your homework when we get home, you can play a little longer at the park.”
Bribery might be offered after asking the child to wash their hands multiple times, but the child refuses. The parents would give the reward before the child completes the task.
Due to the reward being given before the child performs the task, there’s less of a chance that the child will do the task when asked. Instead, they will act poorly to get the reward since that worked last time.
Types of Reinforcement in ABA Therapy
There are both positive and negative types of reinforcement in ABA therapy.
Positive Reinforcement in ABA Therapy
Positive reinforcement is additive. Once the desired action is performed, you add something enjoyable, such as having a play session after the child cleans their room.
Positive reinforcers can be anything your child enjoys, such as praise, toys, or experiences.
The goal is that the positive reinforcement encourages continued growth and repetition of the desired behavior.
Why Positive Reinforcement Is Preferred in ABA
ABA therapy has a foundational focus on developmental growth. Not only is using any form of punishment harsh for a child (or adult) trying to learn something new, but it can also cause regression. They will become afraid of making mistakes, creating a negative environment for growth.
This is why we primarily use reinforcement at Spectrum Behavioral Therapies, with positive reinforcement being our preferred tool due to its positive impact on behavior and well-being.
Negative Reinforcement in ABA Therapy
Negative reinforcement is a misleading term. Most people think of it as some form of punishment, but it’s actually the opposite. Negative reinforcement involves removing something unpleasant once a task is completed.
For example, let’s say your child hates the feeling of water on their skin, so they struggle with hygiene. Negative reinforcement would be helping them dry their hands after they wash them so the unpleasant feeling of wet hands disappears quickly.
Negative reinforcement shows a child that you or their ABA therapist understands there is a reason behind their behavior. Then, the child and adult work together to solve the problem. As this process is repeated, the child will understand that they can get rid of the feeling of wet skin and don’t have to avoid washing their hands.
Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
Primary reinforcers are anything that meets someone’s basic needs, such as food or water. They’re referred to as primary because everyone wants them and doesn’t need to learn why they enjoy them.
The main difference between the two is the primary reinforcement is unconditioned and natural (basic needs) and secondary reinforcement is conditioned (i.e., tokens, money, praise, activities).
How Reinforcement Works in ABA Therapy
All reinforcement is given right after the task or behavior is completed so the child associates the desired behavior with the reward. The reinforcer should also be proportional to the behavior involved. For example, if a child finishes an entire school day without incident, they should get a large reinforcer. A smaller reinforcer could be used when a child responds to someone who speaks to them when developing social skills.
Continuous vs. Intermittent Reinforcement Schedules
As desired behaviors become more natural to the child (or adult), the reinforcers will slowly fade to encourage independence. This constitutes a shift from a continuous to an intermittent reinforcement schedule.
Continuous reinforcement is when reinforcement is always given once the task is completed. Meanwhile, intermittent reinforcement means the reinforcer appears less often. Research suggests intermittent reinforcement leads to stronger behavior maintenance—meaning the desired behavior continues even without reinforcement.
How Reinforcement Differs by Age and Ability
The younger a person is, the more open they generally are to learning new things. As we get older, we develop more deeply ingrained habits and preferences. This is one reason each ABA reinforcement strategy must be customized to the individual and why we recommend starting at an earlier age.
The time it takes to make a desired behavior natural varies depending on the age. For example, it will likely take a teenager or young adult longer to learn than a child. A teenager must first unlearn the maladaptive behavior and then learn the desired behavior. Reinforcers must also be age-appropriate, as people of different ages will be motivated by other things.
The same idea extends to skill levels. Each child in ABA therapy has different needs and skill levels at different tasks. It’s crucial to cater to these individual differences to ensure success.
How to Support Reinforcement Strategies at Home
We always encourage parents and caregivers to participate in ABA therapy. You can continue offering reinforcers at home for desired behaviors or specific skill use. As you communicate with your child’s therapist, you can start slowly fading the schedule of reinforcement until you’re following an intermittent schedule.
For example, if you’re working on potty training, you could start with throwing a “party” with each success. Once your child uses the bathroom consistently, you would move towards an intermittent schedule of reinforcement where you are presenting a reinforcer once in a while, and eventually none at all. This is still a reinforcement but prevents your child from expecting a party every time.
Of course, if your child is of age, this also has to happen in school. Communication with teachers and the school is crucial. If you need assistance collaborating with your child’s school, we can help.
See the Power of Reinforcement in Action
Spectrum Behavioral Therapies can help your child grow and develop into an independent adult. Using reinforcement, collaboration, and constant communication, we’ll create a supportive environment for your child to learn and grow.
Start your ABA therapy journey with Spectrum Behavioral Therapies today.
