Sakshum; reinforcer
Many a time parents ask me back “isn’t reinforcement mean bribery?”, when I talked to them about reinforcement and ABA.
The answer is NO.
Reinforcement works as a reward and it is given immediate after the completion of the expected behaviour. For eg, Krishna gets cookies after he finishes his homework. Cookie works as reinforcer here. Reinforcement works for shaping, teaching new behaviour or correcting the behaviour. Reinforcement is paying for good or expected behaviour. It is more successful than bribery as the child is motivated through out the event to achieve reinforcer.
Whereas, in case of bribery,”it is to buy the behaviour”. The child is paid for the good behaviour before the behaviour occur. For eg take cookie and finish homework is bribery. It generally fails on long run as the motivation fall short during the activity.
About Neeti
Dr. Neeti is an Early Interventionist with over 5 years experience providing quality Occupational, speech therapy and sensory integration to children with Autism, Cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome and Sensory problems. She has a Post Graduation in Early Intervention. She had published many articles in newspapers and books regarding disability. She is currently self employed and a school therapist promoting inclusion for children with Disability.
Sakshum (means 'Being Capable' in hindi) is a tender initiative for children with special needs to provide holistic treatment and integrate them into the main-stream. By 'special need' we mean to address all children who are diagnosed with disability (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down's Syndrome and other childhood disabilities) and "At risk" (Pre-term, behavior and emotional problems and lack of stimulation, which hampers their overall development).
The goal is to provide early diagnosis and Early Intervention for children with special needs.
Neeti
Neha Singh
sakshum.wordpress.com 
