One of the most powerful and widely used techniques in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is positive reinforcement. When used thoughtfully, it can shape new behaviors, increase motivation, and help children with autism learn essential life skills.
But what exactly is positive reinforcement? And how can parents use it effectively at home?
This article breaks down how positive reinforcement works, why it’s effective, and how you can implement it step-by-step to support your child’s development.
What Is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement means giving something desirable immediately after a behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will happen again.
Example:
Your child puts away their toys → You give a high five and praise → The child is more likely to clean up again.
The “positive” doesn’t mean “good” in a moral sense—it refers to adding something after the behavior (as opposed to removing something, which would be negative reinforcement).
Why Positive Reinforcement Works
Children with autism often respond well to structure, predictability, and concrete outcomes. Reinforcement:
Helps clarify what behaviors are expected
Increases motivation for completing tasks
Builds positive associations with learning
Reduces reliance on prompts over time
Research consistently supports reinforcement as a foundational strategy in autism intervention. For more, see the Reinforcement EBP Brief Packet – ERIC (PDF).
Types of Positive Reinforcers
Different children are motivated by different things. Some common types include:
- Social Reinforcers
- Smiles, praise (“Great job!”), high fives, clapping
- Tangible Reinforcers
- Toys, stickers, snacks
- Activity Reinforcers
- Playing a game, watching a video, going to the park
- Token Reinforcers
- Earning tokens or stars that can be exchanged for a bigger reward
Use a Preference Assessment Procedures – HCPBS (PDF) to discover what your child finds motivating.
Start Your Child’s ABA Therapy Journey Today
Our compassionate, collaborative ABA therapy empowers children and families to thrive. Together, we nurture connections, fuel progress, and embrace a brighter future through evidence-based care.
How to Use Positive Reinforcement at Home
- Step 1: Identify the Behavior You Want to Increase – Start small and be specific:
“Brush teeth before bedtime”
“Say ‘hello’ to new people”
“Complete one worksheet without leaving the seat”
- Step 2: Choose a Reinforcer – Pick something your child enjoys and doesn’t get freely throughout the day. The reinforcer must be meaningful.
- Step 3: Deliver the Reinforcer Immediately – Timing is key. Reinforce the behavior as soon as it occurs:
- “You finished your math! Here’s your puzzle time.”
- Step 4: Pair Reinforcement with Praise – This builds a positive emotional connection:
- “Awesome job asking for help! That was so responsible.”
- Step 5: Be Consistent – Use the same reinforcer and deliver it reliably after the target behavior
- Step 6: Fade Reinforcement Over Time – As the behavior becomes more frequent, slowly reduce the intensity or frequency of the reinforcement to build independence.
Tips for Success
Catch your child being good: Don’t wait for major behaviors—reinforce small wins.
Use visuals: Try a CDC Reward Chart (PDF) to track progress.
Avoid bribery: Reinforcement is about encouraging behavior, not bargaining under pressure.
Rotate rewards: Avoid reinforcer fatigue by keeping things novel.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Inconsistent reinforcement:
- Solution: Reinforce the behavior every time, at least initially.
- Reinforcing the wrong behavior:
- Solution: Be precise about what you’re reinforcing.
- Delayed reinforcement:
- Solution: Try to reinforce within a few seconds of the behavior.
- Too many reinforcers:
- Solution: Focus on just one or two behaviors at a time.
When to Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be helpful for:
Teaching daily routines (e.g., dressing, toileting)
Encouraging communication
Reducing problem behaviors by replacing them with appropriate ones
Motivating participation in schoolwork or therapy
Real-Life Example: Reinforcing Transitions
Situation: Your child resists transitioning from iPad time to dinner.
Plan:
- Give a visual countdown (e.g., timer)
- Offer a token each time they transition without a meltdown
- After 3 tokens, they earn a favorite dessert
Over time, your child learns that calm transitions lead to good outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective and practical tools parents can use to shape behavior. It focuses on what your child does well and builds momentum in learning new skills.
When used with consistency and care, positive reinforcement can reduce frustration, increase cooperation, and help your child thrive.