What is Reinforcement?
Reinforcements are rewards, and are used to teach learned behaviors to the kids.
Reinforcements are basically rewards, and when used to teach learned behaviors to kids, these reinforcements work as a signal or feedback to a child that they responded correctly and also to encourage the child to respond the same.
The reinforcement works as a motivation and initial feedback for autistic kids with very limiting speech and helps in strengthening the learned responses.
Types of Reinforcement
Reinforcers can be of many types, like food, drink, physical touch, praise or tokens. Food and drink are the basic reinforcers and can be an excellent choice to be used at the beginning of the therapy process.
Reinforcement- How to use them?
It is important to know that reinforcement’s provides maximum effectiveness only when:
- Reinforcement is delivered immediately after a correct response.
- Therapist is enthusiastic and involved while giving the reinforcers.
- Vary the reinforcer to maintain the child’s interest and motivation.
