One of the behavioral interventions for autism that has stood the test of time is applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA techniques are geared toward increasing incidences of desired behaviors while reducing undesired behaviors. One of the driving principles behind ABA is the use of positive reinforcement. Here’s a closer look at the importance of positive reinforcement and how best to use it:

Definition

By definition, a behavior can be thought of as any action carried out by a person, anything a person does. For example, a child pointing correctly to a blue card upon request is just as much a “behavior” as a child having a temper tantrum. To simplify the concept, we can say that when a child performs a socially desired behavior, he or she is rewarded in some manner. The reward teaches the child to execute these desired behaviors again, thereby reducing the incidences of undesired behaviors. A critical component of ABA is to not punish the undesired behaviors, but to replace them with more appropriate behaviors through the use of positive reinforcement.

Implementation

Ideally, families can incorporate ABA principles such as positive reinforcement into daily life. The best results can be achieved through a collaborative effort with everyone agreeing on what behaviors should be eligible for reinforcement.  Generally, any new behavior that you are training or any behavior that you would like to see increase, should be reinforced. Positive reinforcement should be delivered immediately after the desired behavior is performed to be most effective. Also, use a size of reinforcer that is comparable to the amount of effort extended.  So, a small reinforce for an easier response and a large reinforcer for a very difficult response. Reinforcers vary for each individual and can include almost anything but they can change all the time so you constantly have to ask yourself what the child REALLY wants.  Positive reinforcement may sometimes be directly associated with the behavior; for example, if a child successfully uses a verbal request for a glass of milk, he can be rewarded with milk.

Effective and Ethical

Not only is positive reinforcement scientifically proven to increase behavior, it is effective in teaching new and improved behavior, and in doing so, also decreases unwanted behavior.  It also is the most ethical choice.  Punishment does not teach new behavior, it only focuses on decreasing what is unwanted.  Punishment can make the child avoid you whereas reinforcement will likely lead the child to approach you as you become a signal of all the things the child likes.  Reinforcement Rules!

Learn more about the benefits of positive reinforcement and other applied behavior analysis techniques. Contact The Behavior Exchange of Dallas at (888) 716-8084 to schedule a consultation. We believe in implementing a collaborative approach that involves schools, family, and other professionals.

Written By Tammy Cline-Soza, MS, BCBA

This article brings to light the tragic socioeconomic divide of quality treatment, not just in autism treatment, but with many developmental, mental health issues and more.  We hope one day that the only criteria for receiving quality treatment will be based solely on one thing: NEED.  We partner with agencies, school districts and other organizations to help children and families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to access services.  But, the need is great and the divide is also.  How can we help families who can’t afford services?

There has to be a creative solution. If you know of one, we would love to help. We do as much as we can, but we want to do more .

Published by DailyCandy

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When a child is diagnosed with autism or another neurodevelopmental disorder, he ideally receives programs and supports that are customized to meet his unique needs. This program often includes group sessions, family sessions, and one-on-one training. One-on-one training is particularly critical because no two children are alike; the specialist can work directly with each child to address various behaviors and other issues. Especially in the beginning, one-on-one therapy is critical in teaching the fundamental skills that are lacking.  Only once these fundamentals are solidly trained can the child begin building on a strong foundation and make life-changing progress.

For example, a group of children with Asperger’s syndrome might work together to improve their understanding of body language and subtle social cues as it pertains to conversation skills and in a variety of contexts. Meanwhile, a child who struggles with the comprehension of idioms might work with a therapist one-on-one to improve his or her interpretation of abstract language.

At The Behavior Exchange of Dallas, we offer children individualized programs based on their unique needs , with a mix of group sessions, one-on-one sessions, and parent training. Learn more about our approach and behavior classes by giving us a call at (888) 716-8084.

Written By Tammy Cline-Soza, MS, BCBA

Each child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experiences the disorder in a unique way. Asperger’s syndrome is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders that falls on the spectrum. If your child is diagnosed with Asperger’s or another autism spectrum disorder, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the issues involved. Become an informed advocate for your child by learning more about Asperger’s with the following overview:

Potential Signs

While not every child will experience the same signs and symptoms of Asperger’s, there are a few commonalities. Primarily, Asperger’s affects a child’s behavior, communication, and social skills. Unlike classic autism, Asperger’s does not cause language delays . However, children can experience other types of communication deficits, such as pragmatic language difficulties. Pragmatic language skills refer to the use of language in a social way. For example, a child might fail to make eye contact during conversation, have trouble maintaining the natural flow of conversation, or fail to interpret and use gestures and body language. Although young children with Asperger’s typically wish to interact with their peers (unlike those with classic autism), they have trouble doing so and may be inappropriate which can isolate and stigmatize them.

Assessment Measures

As with any neurodevelopmental disorder, it’s important to have a child with suspected Asperger’s evaluated as early as possible so intervention and therapy can begin. There are no medical tests available to diagnose Asperger’s; however, a doctor may perform certain tests to rule out the possibility of underlying medical conditions that mimic the appearance of Asperger’s. An autism expert can also assess the child’s developmental history and perform close observations.  Although a diagnosis is not needed to initiate treatment, it is often necessary to obtain insurance coverage.

Behavioral Therapies

Children who are diagnosed with Asperger’s and other autism spectrum disorders can benefit from applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is a set of techniques that teach children important skills, such as social interactions. ABA involves the use of positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors while reducing undesirable ones.

The specialists at The Behavior Exchange are highly skilled in the use of ABA techniques to help children with autism spectrum disorders. Please call our Dallas location today at (888) 716-8084 to schedule your initial consultation. You could also visit us on the Web to learn more about us.

Written By Tammy Cline-Soza, MS, BCBA

Summers coming!! Find activities of mutual interest to enjoy with your child. If they like swimming, get in the pool! If they like the park, swing next to them.  If they love to draw, draw their favorite character or get a simple step-by-step drawing book that you can both practice with. Building any relationship involves having fun and enjoying each other. Put down the electronics and get in some quality time together this summer.

The Behavior Exchange’s June Newsletter. See what the buzz is all about.

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