The Power of Reinforcement in ABA: How to Support Your Child’s Progress at Home

whhartzog
Oct 15
3 min read

When your child masters a new skill or completes a challenging task, what happens next can make all the difference. In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, reinforcement is more than just praise—it's the foundation for learning. It’s how behaviors grow stronger and become more likely to happen again.

Understanding how reinforcement works can empower you to support your child both during therapy sessions and in everyday life.

What Is Reinforcement in aba?

Reinforcement in ABA is a strategy used to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. In ABA, positive reinforcement involves adding something pleasant immediately after a behavior occurs. This can be anything your child finds motivating—praise, a favorite toy, extra screen time, or a special activity.

Example:

When Sarah correctly identifies colors during her therapy session, her therapist offers enthusiastic praise and gives her a minute to play with bubbles. Over time, Sarah becomes more confident and accurate with identifying colors. Why? Because her brain connects the positive experience with the behavior.

Finding What Motivates Your Child

What works for one child might not work for another. That’s why discovering your child’s unique motivators is key.

Here’s how to start:

Observe during free time: What toys or activities does your child naturally seek out?
Make a list: Keep a running note of favorite items, games, or types of interaction.
Run “preference checks”: Offer choices between different items or activities and see what they pick.

Tip: Motivators change! What worked last month might not work today. Keep updating your list regularly.

Common Reinforcement Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to accidentally slow progress. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Delayed Reinforcement

Waiting too long after the behavior to give the reward can confuse your child. Especially for young learners or new skills, the reinforcement should happen within seconds.

2. Reinforcing Unwanted Behaviors

If your child tantrums in the store for candy—and you eventually give in—you’re reinforcing the tantrum, not good behavior.

3. Overusing Food or Screens

These can be effective but may lead to unhealthy patterns if overused. Instead, create a diverse reinforcement menu including:

Social praise
One-on-one time with a parent
Preferred activities
Sensory play (e.g., swinging, jumping)

How to Use Reinforcement at Home

Start simple and intentional:

Choose one behavior to focus on (e.g., putting away toys).
Catch it when it happens.
Immediately reinforce with specific praise and a reward.

Example: “Great job putting your blocks in the bin! Let’s read your favorite book together.”

Keep rewards proportional—save bigger reinforcers for bigger accomplishments.

Will Constant Reinforcement Spoil My Child?

This is a common concern, but rest assured: the goal of ABA is not to make children dependent on rewards. Instead, reinforcement is most intensive when teaching new skills. Over time, your ABA team will help you fade external rewards so behaviors become habitual and self-sustaining.

What About Siblings?

It’s natural for siblings to ask why one child gets rewards for things that seem easy to them. Use it as a teaching moment:

“Everyone learns in their own way. Right now, your brother is working hard to learn this skill, just like you work hard in your own way.”

Celebrate each child’s unique journey.

Helpful Resources

Want to learn more? Start here:

The Power of Positive Parenting by Glenn Latham
Ask your ABA provider about parent training workshops
Request reinforcement idea handouts tailored to your child’s age and interests

Final Thoughts

You’re not spoiling your child by celebrating their progress—you’re laying the groundwork for confidence, independence, and lifelong learning. The more you understand and apply reinforcement strategies, the more empowered you'll be to support meaningful growth in every area of your child’s life.