Autism Center Grab and Go Resource Gallery of Interventions
Preference and Reinforcement Surveys
Explore preference and reinforcement surveys designed to gather insights into the interests and preferences of individuals with autism. These surveys are essential because they help educators and caregivers identify what motivates the individual, providing valuable information for selecting the most effective rewards or incentives to encourage positive behaviors. Educators, therapists, family members, and others involved in supporting the individual can utilize these surveys. They can be completed independently or in collaboration with others to gain a deeper understanding of the person’s preferences. If appropriate, some individuals with autism may also be able to provide direct feedback on the surveys. Once completed, the data collected can be used to support a reinforcement system and support the development of academic, social, and communication skills.
It's important to remember that preferences can change over time. Regularly revisiting and updating the preferences and reinforcement survey will help ensure the system stays effective as changes occur.
For further information, visit the Differential Reinforcement and Reinforcement Autism Internet Modules at www.autisminternetmodules.org
Examples
Preference and Reinforcement Surveys
- Activity Reinforcement Survey for Preschool Example
- Activity Reinforcement Survey for School Age Example
- Favorites, Interests, Preferences Family Survey Example
- My Favorite Preferences and Reinforcement Survey for Individual Example
- Preference and Reinforcement Blank Grid Survey Example (Word Doc)
- Preference and Reinforcement Grid Survey with Pictures Example
- Preference and Reinforcement Survey for All Ages Example
- Preference and Reinforcement Survey for Older Individual Example
- Preference and Reinforcement Survey for Younger Individual Example
- Would You Rather Preference and Reinforcement Survey Example
Book Suggestions
Incentives for Change
Delmolino, L. & Harris, S.
As many parents and teachers know, people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can be difficult to motivate, especially when asked to learn something new. Finding the right incentives to support learning is one of the crucial first steps in teaching them new skills. Incentives for Change explores systems for determining what incentives children and adults with ASD will find rewarding and ways to use motivation as a tool to affect their learning and behavior. This easy-to-follow guide explains a variety of motivational methods and systems, including how to identify potential incentives, transition from concrete to intangible incentives, use reinforcements or rewards to increase motivation, teach a child to express what he wants, understand 'establishing operation' and other concepts that affect motivation, motivate children with ASD to make choices, implement token systems to enable children to delay reinforcement, and encourage independence and self-management skills. Parents and teachers will find methods for teaching a wide variety of social skills such as interacting playfully with others and making eye contact and life skills.