What is reinforcement in ABA?
Reinforcement is the heart of ABA therapy. In simple terms, reinforcement is anything that, when it follows a behavior, makes that behavior more likely to happen again. If your child asks for juice, gets juice, and then asks more often next time, the juice reinforced the asking. ABA uses this natural principle deliberately and positively — to teach communication, social, and daily-living skills your child will actually use.
Positive vs. negative reinforcement
These terms are often misunderstood. Both increase behavior — the difference is how:
- Positive reinforcement adds something the child values after a behavior (praise, a favorite toy, a turn on the swing), making the behavior more likely.
- Negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant after a behavior (for example, a task ends when the child appropriately asks for a break), also making the behavior more likely.
“Negative” here doesn’t mean bad or punishing — it just means something is taken away. Quality ABA leans heavily on positive reinforcement.
Types of reinforcers
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Social | Praise, high-fives, smiles, attention |
| Tangible | A favorite toy or preferred item |
| Activity | Bubbles, a game, time at the park |
| Edible | A small preferred snack (used thoughtfully) |
| Natural | The built-in result — asking for a ball and getting to play |
The best reinforcer is whatever genuinely motivates your child, and it can change day to day. Teams identify reinforcers through observation and by asking families what their child loves.
How reinforcement is used well
Reinforce the behavior you want to see
The team catches your child succeeding — using a word, waiting a turn, trying a new food — and reinforces it right away so the connection is clear.
Fade support over time
Early on, reinforcement is frequent. As a skill grows, the team gradually thins it out and shifts toward natural reinforcers, so the skill holds up in real life.
Aim for natural reinforcement
The goal is for skills to be maintained by everyday outcomes — communicating gets needs met, sharing leads to fun play — not by endless treats.
Using reinforcement at home
Parents use reinforcement all the time, often without naming it. With a little coaching from parent training, you can use it intentionally: notice and praise the behaviors you want more of, be specific (“I love how you asked so nicely!”), and reinforce quickly. If a challenging behavior is being unintentionally reinforced, a functional behavior assessment can help you understand and shift the pattern.
What outcomes can you expect?
Used well, reinforcement builds durable skills and a positive, motivating therapy experience. Children learn that communicating and cooperating “work,” which supports independence over time. Progress is tracked with data, and reinforcement strategies are adjusted as your child grows.
Common misconceptions
- “Reinforcement is just bribery.” Bribery happens before and to stop a behavior; reinforcement follows a desired behavior to build it — and fades over time.
- “Negative reinforcement is punishment.” It isn’t — it increases behavior by removing something unpleasant.
- “My child will need treats forever.” Reinforcement is faded toward natural, everyday outcomes.
- “Only tangible rewards work.” Social reinforcers like praise and attention are powerful for many children.
Frequently asked questions
Is reinforcement the same as bribery?
No. Bribery is offered before a behavior to stop something in the moment; reinforcement follows a desired behavior to strengthen it and is gradually faded.
Will my child always need rewards?
No. Reinforcement starts frequent and is thinned over time, shifting toward natural outcomes so skills last.
What if I don’t know what motivates my child?
Your BCBA identifies reinforcers through observation and by asking you what your child enjoys — and reassesses as preferences change.
Can I use reinforcement at home?
Yes. Notice and praise behaviors you want to see, be specific, and respond quickly. Parent training helps you use it consistently.
Helpful resources
- Autism Speaks — Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org — Autism
Clinically reviewed by Teba Aijaz, MS, BCBA, LBA, Founder & Clinical Director.