1. Copyright Ernsperger Reinforcement Strategies Module Nine Lori Ernsperger Ph.D.

2. Copyright Ernsperger Review Change in Syllabus from Module 7 Functional Behavior Assessment Functional Analysis Requirements for writing a BIP

3. Copyright Ernsperger Reinforcement Powerful ABA strategy to change behavior Without reinforcement, we can not motivate students to change A reinforcer is not effective if it does not maintain or increase the desired behavior Teacher: “I use reinforcement for my students, but it is not working” –Then it is NOT reinforcement

4. Copyright Ernsperger Reinforcement Strategies Before beginning a BIP, identify powerful reinforcers High quality reinforcement is provided to the student for the absence of the targeted behaviors Reinforcement is provided when the students exhibits an alternative behavior or replacement behavior “Gate of Change” – Stephen Covey

5. Copyright Ernsperger Reinforcement Strategies Increases Or Decreases the Frequency of the Target Behavior The Presentation Or Removal Of A Reinforcer Contingent Upon A Behavior

6. Copyright Ernsperger TWO TYPE OF REINFORCERS POSITIVE- presented to an individual when a desired behavior has occurred. NEGATIVE- removal of a non-preferred stimulus when a desired behavior has occurred. In Both Cases Appropriate Behavior Has Been Reinforced and Will Be More Likely to Occur in the Future. Negative reinforcement is Not a punishment

7. Copyright Ernsperger Various Forms of Reinforcement Primary Edibles Tangibles Secondary Activity based Social praise

8. Copyright Ernsperger “Catch’em Being Good” According to Teaching Exceptional Children: –“94-96% of appropriately displayed behaviors by students goes unnoticed and unrecognized by teachers”

9. Copyright Ernsperger IDENTIFYING REINFORCERS Observation Reinforcement Survey Ask the Child Ask the Caregivers

10. Copyright Ernsperger Identifying Reinforcement Present items two at a time Demonstrate the item Allow time for play Record student’s preference May consider more naturalistic or free play procedures if child can sustain and switch attention

11. Copyright Ernsperger RULES OF REINFORCEMENT Leaf & McEachin Reinforcers Should Be Reinforcing Reinforcement Should Be Contingent A Variety of Reinforcers Should Be Used Social Reinforcers Should Be Paired With Primaries

12. Copyright Ernsperger RULES OF REINFORCEMENT Leaf & McEachin Continuously Develop and Identify Reinforcers Use Age-Appropriate Reinforcers Unpredictability and Novelty Greatly Enhances Reinforcement In the Beginning, Reinforcement Should Occur Immediately

13. Copyright Ernsperger RULES OF REINFORCEMENT Leaf & McEachin Reinforcement Should Be Faded Over Time The Reinforcement Schedule Should Be Followed Consistently Evaluate the Timing of Reinforcement

14. Copyright Ernsperger RULES OF REINFORCEMENT Leaf & McEachin In Early Teaching, Label the Behavior That Is Being Reinforced. Over Time, Move to Reinforcement That Is Less Extravagant and More Practical Utilize Differential Reinforcement

15. Copyright Ernsperger Reinforcement vs. Bribery A slippery slope Providing reinforcement during a tantrum or behavioral outburst Coaxing and Enticing student to work or comply As a token economy to teach cause and effect

16. Copyright Ernsperger Token Economy System A token economy system is used as visual evidence to the student that he or she has achieved the desired behavior Follows the principles of ABA Select a high quality reinforcement Select a tangible token: sticker, coin, buttons or tickets The schedule for the token system is based on the data Critical component to a successful program

17. Copyright Ernsperger

19. Picture Token Economy System Select a tangible reinforcement Take a picture Laminate picture Select sturdy token board Cut picture into “Tokens” –Number of tokens based on data Velcro on to cardboard at intervals

20. Copyright Ernsperger Picture Token Economy

21. Copyright Ernsperger Discussion Posting & Web Exploration Read the Brief on Differential Reinforcement –National Professional Development Center –Autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu Read the lecture for Differential Reinforcement –www.autisminternetmodules.orgwww.autisminternetmodules.org Discussion Posting: –What is Differential reinforcement? –How is it implemented in the classroom? –How do you fade reinforcement? Case Study –Reinforcement hierarchy