Sunday, 14 March 2010

• ABA and Individualized Reinforcement

  One of the key principles of Behavioral Modification (or ABA) is the need for reinforcers specific to the individual you are working with. Some things which are appealing and reinforcing to some people will be aversive to others and vice versa.

  Typical reinforcers for first-graders like Larry would be candy, stickers, small toys, music, computer or television time, and verbal praise.  Some of these, like music, soft verbal praise, and DVD time are quite reinforcing to Larry. Others, such as small toys and computer time are largely ignored, while Candy and loud verbal praise are aversive.

  Without the typical positive reinforcers of candy or stickers available for use, we’ve had to be creative in finding ways to reinforce Larry’s behavior. And slowly but surely we’re learning what works (and also what doesn’t). Some things we currently use to reinforce Larry’s behavior:  

  
  

  • Turning the lights off
  • Dancing in a circle
  • Flipping  Larry upside-down and spinning him in circles
  • Tickling Larry’s forearms and toes
  • Squishing Larry’s cheeks in-between fists or open palms
  • Putting Larry on my lap and sliding him down the stairs
  • Walking away for a brief period (15-30s) and thus providing alone-time

  Long-term reinforcers to be worked up to include:

  • baths with tremendous amounts of foam and soap
  • rides on his dad’s snow-mobile
  • Drives to McDonalds for Fries and Apple Juice
  • Visits to the pool

  What atypical reinforcers work for your children?