Making the Invisible Visible: How Talking About Reinforcers Changes the Game
Let’s talk about something uniquely human—our ability to bring reinforcers into the present moment using language. Words have this remarkable power to create connections, trigger emotions, and even evoke physical responses. This week, I want to explore how we can use this power with our learners to deepen their engagement and enhance the quality of their experiences.
Here’s the fascinating thing about us as humans: we can talk about something far away—whether it’s a lemon we don’t have in front of us or a cherished memory from years ago—and still feel its impact. Let’s take the example of describing a lemon. Picture cutting it, the juice trickling down your fingers, and that sharp tang hitting your tongue. Even without a lemon in sight, your mouth might water. That’s the power of language. It bridges the gap between now and then, here and there.
Ultimately, this is why teaching verbal repertoires is so important.
This ability doesn’t just apply to pleasant experiences. It explains why discussing past traumas can evoke deep emotional responses. Talking about reinforcers or punishers brings their essence into the moment. It’s why veterans revisiting wartime stories or children recalling moments of fear can relive those feelings years later. Words can prolong experiences—good and bad, even when the original context is long gone.
So, how does this apply to our work with kids?
Simply put: we need to talk about their reinforcers…like, all the time.
Our work in ABA is more than simply teaching skills and reducing maladaptive behaviors. An often overlooked third piece to our work is this: we’re supposed to be expanding a child’s ability to find reinforcement in the world around them. If we don’t, we risk creating a limited reinforcement repertoire. Let’s face it—Skittles and iPads aren’t lifelong motivators. We have to teach kids to find joy and value in a broader range of experiences to improve their quality of life.
One way to do this is by making inaccessible reinforcers feel closer.
Think of a child spending seven hours a day at a center, separated from their mom—a profoundly valuable reinforcer. By talking about Mom throughout the day—her plans for dinner, how much she loves them—we bring her presence into the child’s world, even when she’s not physically there. It’s not the same as Mom being there, but it’s a powerful bridge that connects the child to their most valued reinforcement. And, what’s really cool is that we get to play the role of the connector.
I’ve seen this work wonders. One foster child I worked with struggled with significant trauma. His most treasured reinforcer was time with his new foster mom, but he was often away from her during the day. We made it a point to talk about Mom—what he loved about her, what they’d do together later. We even paired symbols like the Nike logo (because Mom wore Nike shoes). We’d ask him frequently why the Nike sign (and other logos that one might see frequently) reminded him of her. The result? His world felt less daunting, and his behaviors improved as he saw reminders of her everywhere.
This strategy isn’t just about building connections; it’s about helping kids navigate challenging moments. If a promised reinforcer gets delayed—say the tablet’s unavailable—talking about the reinforcer can buy time and ease frustration. Describe the reinforcer vividly: What will they do? How long will they play? Who will join them? It’s not just a distraction—it’s a way to sustain motivation.
So, here’s your takeaway: talk about reinforcers constantly. Describe them in detail. Highlight their components, their meaning, and their availability. Bring reinforcers closer with your words. Kids will latch onto that and feel more grounded, even when the reinforcers aren’t immediately accessible.
That’s my message for this week—words are powerful tools. Use them to reshape your learners’ worlds, and you’ll see the difference. Have thoughts or questions? I’d love to hear them. Let’s keep the conversation going, and as always, have a fantastic weekend!
Martin Myers is a BCBA with a passion for helping improve the field of ABA. He is the creator of BxMastery, with over 4,000 goal ideas, sequenced, to inspire your programming. With 10+ years of experience in the field, he’s dedicated to empowering others and fostering positive change through effective leadership and communication. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights and updates.