How to Use Positive Reinforcement in ABA Therapy

When you're caring for or working with a child with autism you naturally want to do all you can to help them succeed. However, it’s not always easy to know which methods will be most effective. One approach that has been proven to be very effective is the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) theory. At the core of ABA is the simple but powerful principle of positive reinforcement. This article will walk you through what positive reinforcement looks like in ABA, why it matters for children with autism, how you can begin to implement it at home, and much more.  Our goal is to help you understand positive reinforcement not just as a therapeutic tool, but as a way to strengthen your connection with your child and nurture their growth everyday.

What Does 'Positive Reinforcement' Mean in ABA Therapy?

Positive reinforcement is when a desired behaviour is rewarded, thereby encouraging and increasing the likelihood of it occurring again.

Using positive reinforcement celebrates a child’s small wins in a way that motivates them to keep learning new skills.

A common way to explain positive reinforcement is through a model known as the 'A-B-Cs' (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) of behaviour: the Antecedent, or the action that precedes the behavior, the Behavior itself, and then the result, or the Consequence of this behavior. 

Here’s one way this might look in real life: A child asks for juice, and the parent provides it with a smile. The juice is the immediate reward, while the smile adds social reinforcement. Together, they make the child more likely to ask again, strengthening communication skills.

Another example is when a child hangs up their backpack after school and receives a high-five and verbal praise, (“good job!”) from the caregiver. The child is now more than likely continue hanging up their backpack in the following days.

The key is consistency. In ABA therapy, positive reinforcement is used intentionally to help children make meaningful changes in their behaviour. It isn’t about “giving in” or “spoiling.” Instead, it helps children connect their actions with positive outcomes. 

Over time, as these behaviors become more natural, reinforcement can be gradually reduced, and many children begin repeating the behaviors independently.

A common misconception is that positive reinforcement is similar to bribery. The key difference comes down to timing. Bribery happens before or during the desired or undesired behavior, and is usually a reactive response from the parent when a quick fix is needed. 

Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, is proactive and happens after a desired behavior. It is planned and used to teach and strengthen skills over time. 

For example, if a child is throwing a tantrum in a store and the parent promises candy to make them stop, that’s bribery. However, if a child is told that each time they complete a grocery trip without a tantrum they will earn extra screen time, that is positive reinforcement.

And it's not just about food or toys; social praise and connection are also powerful tools used by ABA therapists.

Why Positive Reinforcement Matters for Children with Autism

Although the immediate outcome of positive reinforcement is an increase in desired behavior, consistent use can make it a powerful tool for long-term behavior change, helping to build self-esteem and strengthen social skills. This is especially important for children on the spectrum, particularly in areas such as social interaction, which can feel more challenging.

Children with autism may not be motivated by the same social cues as neurotypical children, so consistent use of positive reinforcement helps bridge that gap. As children become more comfortable with their surroundings and interactions, their confidence grows and builds upon itself. Every success that’s reinforced helps a child feel capable and proud.

This, in turn, encourages children to develop other important skills such as communication, which lays the foundation for stronger social connections, daily living skills, and emotional regulation.

Beyond building skills, positive reinforcement deepens trust, strengthens relationships, and nurtures a love of learning. When parents and therapists celebrate success, children associate learning with positive feelings. This sense of safety and encouragement motivates them to persevere, even when challenges come up. 

In contrast, negative reinforcement (removing something to stop a problem behavior) often leaves the child feeling frustrated and distraught, and can lead to resentment of the skills being taught. 

Choosing the Right Reinforcers

For positive reinforcement to be effective, it must be tailored to the individual child. What motivates one child may mean nothing to another.

While there are many effective reinforcers, the best strategy is to mix and match, so motivation doesn’t become stale. 

Types of Positive Reinforcement

Parents and caregivers can use different kinds of reinforcers to support learning and growth for children with autism.

Here are five of the most common and effective types:

1. Tangible Reinforcement

Some children respond particularly well to items that can be touched and felt, such as stickers, snacks, or toys—especially younger children. 

These types of rewards are particularly helpful when introducing new or challenging skills, as it provides an immediate and concrete payoff. 

However, you should pair these reinforcers with social praise to avoid over-reliance.

2. Social Reinforcement

Verbal praise (“I’m proud of you for asking with your words”), smiles, high-fives, clapping, and hugs are all great examples of social reinforcers. 

These are especially effective for teaching emotional regulation and social skills, while also strengthening the bond between children and their caregivers. Over time, children learn that their efforts lead to positive attention and connection. 

3. Activity-Based Reinforcement

Providing the child access to their favorite activities, such as extra playground time, a favorite game, or a special book, is natural motivator. It can also encourage decision-making and independence.

4. Token Economy Systems

A token economy has been used in the public school system for decades because it works. 

This simple method works well as a positive reinforcer, whether you use stickers, stars, or points. The system is straightforward, as the child earns these tokens for exhibiting positive behavior, and when they accumulate enough, they can exchange them for a larger reward. 

This reinforcer provides a two-fold benefit: The child receives an immediate reward from the token, but also encourages persistence and teaches delayed gratification as they accumulate their tokens. 

5. Natural Reinforcement

This reinforcement occurs when the direct result of the behavior itself is the reward. 

For example, when a child asks for juice and receives it, having their needs met is the reinforcement. They understand that communicating can lead to their needs being met. 

Another example is putting on a coat in cold weather and feeling warm.

Natural reinforcers help children understand cause and effect, and over time, they encourage independence by reducing the need for contrived rewards like toys or snacks.

Which is Right for Your Child

Finding the right reinforcers for your child takes some trial and error, but start with what they naturally love—their interests are your best guide.

Watch what your child naturally gravitates toward. Their individual interests are a great starting point in determining your reinforcer(s) of choice. 

If you're unsure, try "preference assessments": simply offer two choices and see what excites them most. You can also rotate different options to keep things fresh.

Don’t get discouraged if what worked last month doesn’t work today. That isn’t uncommon. Rotate your tactics to keep things fresh. 

How to Apply Positive Reinforcement Effectively

Identifying which reinforcer to use is only one part of the puzzle. To see the greatest benefit, positive reinforcement needs to be applied with intention, consistency, and flexibility.  The following strategies can help:

Be Specific

General praise like “good job!” is encouraging, but it’s even more effective to describe the exact behavior you want to see repeated. Try: “I love how you used your words to ask for juice.”

This way, your child knows exactly which behavior earned the reward. If the child is learning a new skill that requires multiple steps, reward each step individually. 

Timing is Everything

Reinforcement works best when it’s delivered immediately after the behavior. 

For example, if the child shares their toys, offer praise within seconds. 

Start Consistently

Initially, the reinforcement schedule must be consistent for the child to learn effectively.

Reinforce every single time the behavior happens until it’s established. 

Later, you can transition to “intermittent reinforcement,” allowing the skill to become natural.

Pair Reinforcements

Even if the primary reinforcer is a toy or candy, always pair it with a smile or words of praise. 

Pairing helps children learn to value social encouragement, reducing reliance on physical items over time.

Fade Reinforcers Gradually 

The ultimate goal is to help behaviors become part of everyday life, without always needing external rewards.

Over time, reduce the amount of tangible rewards your child receives to natural ones (praise, smiles, hugs).

While tacts help label and describe the world, manding in ABA focuses on teaching individuals to request what they need — an equally essential communication skill.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with the best of intentions, there may still be bumps along the way. This is a natural part of learning and growing—for both children and parents.

Below are some common challenges parents face, along with strategies to overcome them. 

Challenge: Child loses interest quickly.

It’s common for children to change their preferences often. A reinforcer that worked last week may not be exciting today. 

Solution: Keep a variety of reinforcers on hand, rotate them, and mix up activities to keep things engaging. You can also offer a menu of reinforcers and let your child choose what motivates them. 

Challenge: It feels like bribery.

Bribery stops bad behavior in the moment, but reinforcement builds long-term skills. It’s about recognizing and celebrating desired behaviors so that they grow stronger over time.

Solution: Remember, reinforcement is proactive, not reactive. Focus on teaching what to do, not just what not to do.

If tangible rewards feel uncomfortable, lean more on social reinforcers—like smiles, hugs, or encouraging words—which never carry the same concerns as bribery. 

Challenge: Over-reliance on snacks or toys.

Understandably, you don’t want your child to look for food or toys as a reward for good behavior. These should serve as a starting point, not the long term goal. 

Solution: Always pair tangible rewards with praise, fading toward natural reinforcers such as verbal encouragement, pride, and independence.

Challenge: Feeling overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything.

Many parents believe they need to apply reinforcement perfectly for it to work. While consistency is important, it’s not realistic to get it right every single time. 

Solution: Focus on small, consistent efforts. Reinforce one behavior at a time, and once that’s established, move on to the next. Progress builds step by step.

Understanding the history of ABA therapy provides valuable context for how positive reinforcement became one of its core principles.

Positive Reinforcement Beyond Therapy Sessions

Although positive reinforcement is a tool used in ABA therapy sessions by board-certified behavior analysts, it is even more effective when it is reinforced as part of their daily life.

Daily Routines

Opportunities for positive reinforcement occur throughout the day. Reinforce behaviors during mealtime, chores, bedtime routines, and play. 

Praise a child for brushing their teeth, and give a high-five for helping set the table.

With Siblings

Encourage siblings to celebrate small wins too, making positive reinforcement a shared family language. This strengthens sibling bonds and can extend to grandparents, babysitters, and friends, creating consistency across settings.

Parenting Moments

Reinforcement doesn’t have to be pre-planned—it can be woven into the day via impromptu hugs, kind words, or extra time spent together.

Sometimes the most powerful rewards come from genuine connection.

Create a Positive Environment

When the whole household practices encouragement instead of correction, children feel more secure and motivated. 

When used consistently and effectively, positive reinforcement can not only help a child with autism build essential life skills but it can also bolster their confidence and security. 

Positive reinforcement is an important part of ABA therapy, but celebrating your child’s efforts is also just part of being a parent. When parents and ABA teams work together, children make the most progress.

Our experienced therapy team partners with parents to implement evidence-based positive reinforcement strategies with their children. 

Contact BehaviorSpan today or call 720-206-9644.

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