Autism Reward System: All You Need to Know

Life is hard at the moment, most of us will do just about anything to make it a little bit easier. Autistic children doing what they’re supposed to be doing, when they’re supposed to be doing it? I think most parents are willing to chuck a jackpot type amount at a reward system for disciplining their little ones.

This article will examine how people on the spectrum tend to respond to the concept of rewards and offer some practical advice on how autism parents can implement an effective reward system for their families.

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How do rewards for autistic children differ from those for neurotypical kids?

Parents of children with autism often face challenges in motivating their kids because their brains process rewards differently than those of neurotypical children. For typical kids, knowing they’ll get a break or a reward after working hard helps keep them motivated. 

However, for autistic children, the usual rewards might not be as motivating or might even be off-putting.

For example, while typical kids might look forward to recess as a reward for focusing in class, an autistic child might find social activities like recess less appealing. This makes it harder to use such rewards effectively.

Research shows that the reward systems in autistic brains can work differently, making it important for parents to create rewards that are meaningful for their child. What might motivate one child could be less effective for another, so it’s crucial to understand what appeals to your child and tailor rewards accordingly.

Going shopping for a new dress may feel like a reward to some. For others, a mall with fluorescent lights, crowds, and the pervading smell of deep-fried chicken may just be the ultimate punishment.

Parents of autistic children should take sensory difficulties, social deficits, and the child’s preferences into consideration before adopting a reward system for kids. Those popular printable reward charts are often formulated with autistic kids in mind.

Before examining the practical side of constructing a reward system, it may be necessary to examine how the brain perceives rewards and whether the autistic brain processes the idea of reward differently.

Reward processing in autism

Even though we know that people with autism often have difficulties with reward-based processes, we still need more research to figure out if these issues are general or specifically related to social rewards.

Some studies suggest that motivation problems with social and money rewards are similar, which could mean there’s a general issue with how rewards are processed in autism.

Most research on reward systems for children is based on typical development and might not fully apply to autistic children because their reward pathways are different. However, understanding general reward systems can still offer useful insights.

In everyday life, a reward system might involve things like reward charts or stickers for good behavior. In the brain, a reward system refers to a network of structures that get activated when we experience something rewarding, like the satisfaction of eating a favorite treat after a hard workout.

How dopamine influences behavior

Dopamine is often associated with pleasure and reward, but recent research suggests its role is more complex than we used to think.

While dopamine is known to be released when we experience pleasure, studies now show it might actually be released before we get a reward, driving us to seek out positive outcomes or avoid negative ones.

This means that people with autism might have a different reward system. They might not respond to rewards or motivation in the same way as others. Understanding how to support and motivate autistic children could be important, as traditional reward methods might need to be adjusted.

Two types of motivation

Motivation can come from two sources: inside yourself or from external rewards.

Intrinsic motivation is when you do something because you really want to or because it aligns with your values and beliefs. For example, you might clean your room because you enjoy it or because you believe it’s important. 

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when you do something to get a reward or avoid a punishment from outside. For instance, a child might clean their room not because they want to, but because they want to earn a reward.

Understanding the difference between these types of motivation helps us figure out if using rewards to motivate children might have any downsides.

Are there negative effects of rewards for children?

When talking about using rewards for children, some parents worry that their child might start expecting a reward for everything they do. They might also think that this approach could reduce the child’s natural motivation to do things just because they enjoy them.

These concerns come from older research suggesting that rewards might lessen a child’s interest in activities they once enjoyed. For example, some studies argued that if a child who loves mowing the lawn starts getting paid for it, they might lose interest in the activity.

However, more recent research shows that this is not always the case. Studies have found that rewards, when used correctly, do not usually harm a child’s motivation. In fact, rewards can help motivate children, especially with tasks they may not naturally enjoy, like transitioning between activities or eating healthy foods.

The key is to use rewards with clear goals and to stop giving them once the child learns to do the desired behavior on their own.

Examples of rewards for autistic children

Using rewards can help encourage positive behavior in children with autism by focusing on what they do well rather than trying to fix their challenges. For instance, if your child has trouble moving from screen time to bath time, instead of punishing them for getting upset, you can use rewards to make the transition smoother.

A reward chart can help with this. You might tell your child that after watching their favorite show, it’s time for a relaxing bath before bed. You can explain that the bath helps them calm down and sleep better. If they manage to transition well, they get a sticker on their reward chart.

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Since many children with autism respond well to visual aids, a colorful chart and stickers can be motivating. When they collect enough stickers, they can earn a reward. Make sure to involve your child in choosing the reward to ensure it’s something they really want. While they might dream big, like getting a pony, you’ll need to offer a few reasonable choices.

Using rewards to increase motivation in autistic children

The aim of using rewards is to help your child find their own reasons to be motivated. Rewards can be helpful at first, but they shouldn’t be the only way to encourage good behavior. Over time, your child should learn to be motivated from within.

For example, many kids need extra motivation to keep their rooms clean. One child with autism had frequent arguments with his mom about his messy room. He loved electronics but struggled with keeping things organized.

To address this, he was given extra screen time on weekends as a reward for keeping his room tidy. This made his room cleaner, and he eventually realized he played better when his gaming area was organized.

Rewards related to technology can be especially appealing for many children with autism. Research shows that digital rewards can be effective, but more studies are needed to understand their impact on motivation and learning for children with autism.

How to create an autism reward system

When designing a reward system for your child with autism, it’s important to tailor it to their unique needs and interests. Unlike typical reward systems, which might use general incentives like treats or outings, your system should focus on what truly motivates your child. This often includes their special interests.

For many children with autism, rewards linked to their special interests are far more effective than conventional rewards. For example, if your child is passionate about trains, incorporating this interest into your reward system can be more motivating than generic social rewards.

Here are some steps to consider when creating an effective reward system for your child on the spectrum.

Step 1: Establish your goal

Establish clear, specific objectives for using rewards. Ensure that rewards serve a distinct motivational purpose rather than just indulging your child. For tasks your child enjoys, intrinsic motivation might be enough without additional rewards.

Step 2: Don’t feel guilty about giving rewards

Rewards can be a powerful motivator for both children and adults. Just as adults work harder for bonuses or stick to healthier habits to achieve personal goals, children can benefit from rewards, too.

Step 3: Emphasize the long-term goals

Help your child understand the importance of maintaining good behavior even when rewards are not offered. Praise their efforts and highlight the benefits of staying organized and achieving their goals independently.

Step 4: Reward appropriately

Only give rewards when they are earned. Avoid setting a precedent where rewards are given without meeting the expected behavior, as this can undermine the effectiveness of the system.

Step 5: Use special interests

For instance, if your child loves trains, create a reward system involving train-themed rewards. You could use a jar or a model train with a coin slot for them to save up for a special train-related outing or toy. This personalized approach can significantly enhance motivation.

Step 6: Don’t bribe your child with rewards

Ensure that rewards are not used to manipulate behavior. Bribery can lead to negative behaviors and undermine the purpose of the reward system.

Seek professional help if needed

If you’re still unsure about a reward system for your child with autism, consult an occupational therapist for ideas on how to motivate your child appropriately.

You can also try out a reward chart, chore chart, or coin jar for insignificant behavior management to see if it works for your child. It’s not easy keeping kids on track but, as the Latin proverb states: “After the battles come the rewards.”

FAQs

Q: How do you reward someone with autism?

A: To reward someone with autism, tailor the reward to their special interests or preferences, such as offering extra time with a favorite activity or a favorite object. Ensure the reward is meaningful and directly linked to the behavior you want to encourage.

Q: Do autistic children respond to rewards?

A: Yes, autistic children can respond well to rewards, especially when the rewards align with their individual interests and preferences. Rewards can help reinforce positive behavior and motivate engagement.

Q: What is a reward chart for autism?

A: A reward chart for autism is a visual tool that tracks and reinforces desired behaviors by providing rewards for achieving specific goals. It typically uses images or symbols related to the child’s interests to make the process engaging and motivating.

Q: What is the reward system in ABA therapy? 

A: The reward system in ABA therapy involves providing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and skills. Rewards are customized to the individual’s preferences and are used to increase the likelihood of repeating the desired behavior.