There are many people who are born with some sort of disability, and in the United States it is estimated that one in every one thousand children is born with ASD. This is also referred to under the blanket term of Autism but actually means the Autism Spectrum Disorders. This is because someone with the condition can show an array of symptoms with some people showing only the mildest signs of the disorders and others showing extreme signs of the issues.

While there is no known cure for ASD, there is a lot of information about the various treatments that have been proven to be effective. Among the most amazing things about treatments for ASD are the documented effects of positive reinforcement.

This is something that is normally detected when using the principles and strategies associated with something known as ABA. This is the acronym for Applied Behavior Analysis and is the science that serves as the foundation for some of the most effective treatments for people with ASD.

Why are the effects of positive reinforcement such an important part of ABA? It helps to understand that people with Autism tend to be lacking in the ability to mimic or imitate. This is actually a core part of the human developmental process, and when someone cannot emulate the actions of those around them they will fail to develop good communication, social, and academic skills. When, however, a teacher or parent is able to give a great deal of support to a child’s efforts, this can really help them to master some of those skills that are essential to an independent and socially active life.

How are the effects of positive reinforcement measured? Basically, the ABA tactics are going to be somewhat outside of the traditional teaching or learning parameters. For example, a teacher will have to accept that their usual, structured teaching patterns may not have any effects whatsoever on the student with ASD. Instead, they will have to find methods of introducing them to concepts of interest and then using this to alter their behaviors for the better.

This is where the effects of positive reinforcement are so important because they will guarantee that the student begins to actually view their own behaviors as positive and beneficial. Receiving praise for something as simple as making eye contact can often help a person with ASD to improve their personal and academic skills to an enormous degree.

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