Autism Therapy: positive reinforcement

definition of positive reinforcement: not yet defined.

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The Effectiveness of Intervention on the Behavior of Individuals with Autism: A Meta-Analysis Using Percentage of Data Points Exceeding the Median of Baseline Phase (PEM)
Behavior Modification, by Ma, H. - H., published in 2009, summarized Oct 21, 2010

Some applied behavior analysis (ABA) approaches are more helpful than others when teaching social skills to people with autism.

The aim of this review article was to compare applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques to treat autism. The study found five helpful ways to use ABA: priming, self-control, training, positive reinforcement plus punishment, and presenting preferential activities. These interventions were helpful for all ages and both genders. The least helpful use of ABA was in teaching perspective-taking skills. The author found that it worked better to train social skills as a whole instead of training just a single type of social skill.


Computer Aided Self-Monitoring to Increase Academic Production and Reduce Self-Injurious Behavior in a Child with Autism
Behavior Interventions, by Soares, DA, Vannest KJ, and Harrison J., published in 2009, summarized Dec 16, 2009

Using a computer to keep track of academic success may help reduce self-injury and other unwanted behaviors in children with autism.

This case study described success for one adolescent (13 years old) with Asperger’s syndrome who used a computer as positive reinforcement. The boy kept a record of his own success at completing school tasks. The boy completed more tasks and had less self-injury behavior and fewer tantrums during the weeks that he used the computer system. When researchers stopped his use of the system, he again had tantrums, self-injury, and trouble completing tasks. The authors said that this system is a promising way to offer some independence and would be relatively easy to use in classrooms.


Further Evaluation of the Effects of Motivating Operations on Preference Assessment Outcomes
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Chappell, N., Graff RB, Libby ME, and Ahearn WH, published in 2009, summarized Sep 7, 2009

Therapists may need to carefully figure out what may be the best "treat" or reward during behavioral therapy for people with autism.

This study looked at three young men (18-19 years old) with autism. The authors tested 8 food items that could be used as a reward for behavioral therapy. They let the young men have as much of one item as they wanted (free access), and then waited for 0-20 minutes. At that point, the researchers tested whether the young men still wanted more of that type of food. The authors found that it worked best to wait 20 minutes after giving the patients as much reward as they wanted before testing to see if the patients still valued the reward. The authors said that the way the treats are given can affect how well they work in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy.


Errorless Compliance Training: Success-Focused Behavioral Treatment of Children with Asperger Syndrome
Behavior Modification, by Ducharme, JM, Sanjuan E., and Drain T., published in 2007, summarized Jun 30, 2009

Success-focused therapy may help children with Asperger syndrome who have not done well with other behavioral therapies.

Three children (4-10 years old) who were diagnosed with Asperger's had been fighting their therapist during behavioral therapy sessions. Therapists tried errorless compliance training. With this training, the therapists ask for simpler things that the child could definitely do successfully. They are highly praised for their success. Then the therapist gradually makes the request slightly more difficult, with a high chance of success for the child. The idea is to give many opportunities for praising the child. All three children improved and were more cooperative with their therapists. The children were also more agreeable with their parents in general.


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Different Roads to Learning Launches New Language App for Kids with Autism

Mar 16, 2012

Tell Me About It! is a new iPad/iPhone app for kids with autism. Developed by Different Roads to Learning in New York, the app focuses on teaching language skills using applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques. Different Roads explains that Tell Me About It! “utilizes Discrete Trial Teaching, a method of teaching students…by breaking skills into the smallest possible steps, teaching each step intensively until its mastered, providing repetition, prompting incorrect responses, and using positive reinforcement.” Tell Me About It! can be found on iTunes for $9.99.

Read original article: New App for Teaching Language to Children with Autism is Now Available


Developing Imitation Skills for Children with Autism

Feb 11, 2009

Most of us learn new skills and behaviors by imitating others; children with autism may have difficulties with this concept. Discrete trial training, which is a form of applied behavior analysis (ABA), may be useful in teaching imitation skills. This intervention uses prompting and positive reinforcement to teach the child. This therapy can be used with gross motor skills, requesting toys or food, and ultimately with speech as the tool for communication. The goal being that the child learns to imitate without the use of prompts.

Read original article.


ABA Lifeline Interactive Makes Autism Assistance Accessible

May 22, 2008

Jean Muckian, the Wisconsin founder of ABA Lifeline Interactive, hopes her tool will make applied behavior analysis therapy more accessible to more families struggling with autism. This family-based intervention can be loaded onto a computer or iPod and accessed anytime. Ms. Muckian states, "The ABA Lifeline Interactive tool teaches parents to function without the added cost of an in-home care individual, while allowing for constant positive reinforcement of their teachings." Parents move with their child's successes to each level of instruction.

Read original article. 


Intensive Therapy Practiced by Mental Health Practitioners Helps MN Kids with Autism

Aug 28, 2007

Home and Community Options, in MN, provides intensive therapy for kids with autism by certified mental health practitioners (MHPs). The MHPs use positive reinforcement to "encourage desired behaviors." One-on-one therapy is used to teach "receptive communication - helping autistic children learn to respond to direction." In addition the MHPs work with the child's parents and teachers.

Read original article.


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Please comment on this autism topic.

Responding to aquatic

Sep 4, 2011 by Anonymous

I have been a private swim instructor, specializing in teaching children with disabilities for over 10 years in Los Angeles. Most of my swimmers are children, ages 2- 12, who are on the Autism spectrum. When these children are in the water, they all have shown a sense of comfort, mind and body relaxation. With certain cues, such as the word "focus," I am able to receive quick eye contact and immediate response to my action requested by them. Positive reinforcement and encouraging words, whether the task was perform correctly or not, increases their consistency of performance in the water. Their sense of body movement in the water becomes hightened because they have control over the water and therefore they feel the need and comfort to be in the water and be active.


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Please comment on positive reinforcement or other autism therapy topics.

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