Positive reinforcement involves the addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior that makes it more likely that such behavior will occur again. It is applied to strengthen a persons’ future behavior that is desired. It is the most effective behavior management strategy in dealing with children who have challenging behaviors. As per our behavior analysis in Tampa Baybehavior analys, it can be used to help children with autism learn new behaviors, effective life skills, and alternatives to repetitive behaviors. If your child has autism, it is best to visit us and undergo our behavior analysis in Florida.
The principle of positive reinforcement is based on human nature that makes people act in certain ways to obtain desirable consequences. For children, it is an incentive if they comply with requests for behavioral changes. A behavior analyst would tell you that the aim of positive reinforcement for children with autism is to increase the chances that they will respond with the changed and desired behavior. Positive reinforcement is immediately given after this desired behavior has occurred. However, it should not be confused with bribery. Bribery is when the reinforcement is given before the task is completed and before the desired behavior is elicited. While rewards are given to autistic children as positive reinforcement, verbal praises will do once the child gets used to showing the changed behavior. It’s also important that the parent or teacher models the desired behavior so that the child can understand more why reinforcements are given.
If your child has autism, don’t worry. He or she can still develop the required skills, abilities, and knowledge for the future. Call Autism Interacts ABA to know more about our ABA therapy in New Port Richey, Florida and how we use positive reinforcement.