Reinforcement for Children with ADD

Some parents may have a hard time coming up with potential reinforcers for their children. Below is a list developed by Dr. R. Vance Hall of the University of Kansas, which we have modified. While it is not exhaustive, it does provide parents with a good start.

Potential Reinforcers for Preschoolers

Social Reinforcers
Verbal

1. Specific praise.

2. Indirect praise (telling someone else how good they are).

3. Suggested words or phrases: "Yes." "Great." "That's right." "That's fine." "Good." "Uh-huh." "Keep going." "O.K." "All right." "Pretty." "Doing better." "I like that." "Good job." "I'm pleased." "I'm proud of you." "Show us how." "You're polite." "Thank you." "I'm glad to see you." "It makes me happy when you...." "I like the way you...." "Do that again for me."

Physical
Hugs. Kisses. Smiles. Eye contact. Tickle. Wink. Handshake. Touch. Toss into the air or whirl around. Piggyback ride. Pat on the back. Chuckling/cheering. Jumping up and down. Tweaking nose.

Material Reinforcers
Toys/balloons. Books/puzzles/magazines. Snacks of favorite food. Pennies for bank.

Activity Reinforcers
Taking a trip to a park, zoo, library (any special outing). Going to work with Dad or Mom. Playing with friends. Listening to stories or songs/singing songs. Playing on swingset or in sandbox. Spending the night with Grandma/Grandpa or favorite adult. Having opportunity to feed pet. Rocking. Playing a game/playing catch with parent/having a friend over to play or eat. Enjoying finger play. Taking a picture of how good they are while they are (a) sitting on a potty, (b) displaying good table manners, (c) going to bed. Talking into a tape recorder/listening to records. Going out for a meal, snack, or movie. Playing with dough or clay. Finger painting/coloring. Blowing bubbles. Helping mom or dad. Spending more time in bathtub, or not having to take a bath (also bubble bath). Riding in car or on bicycle with adult/riding tricycle. Getting extended bedtime or skipping nap. Watching TV. Going outside (day or night). Helping hold baby/give baby bath. Swimming/being pulled in a wagon/swinging. Carrying purse or attache case for adult. Displaying art work. Playing with toys. Using telephone to tell of success. Taking special ride on escalator or elevator. Helping cook a meal or choosing the menu. Helping water grass, flowers, or helping plant a garden. Camping out in the backyard.

Token Reinforcers
Stars on a chart, backed by material and activity reinforcers listed above.

Potential Reinforcers for Elementary Children (Ages 5-11) at Home
Social Reinforcers
Verbal

1. Specific praise.

2. Indirect praise (telling someone else about what they did or accomplished).

3. Suggested words and phrases: "Yes." "O.K.!" "Neat." "Good." "Great." "Delightful." "Brilliant." "Swell." "Fine answer." "That's right." "Beautiful." "Exciting." "Positively." "Go ahead." "Yeah." "All right." "Correct." "Marvelous." "Nifty." "Excellent." "Perfect." "How true." "Absolutely." "Exactly." "Cool." "Outstanding." "Go on." "Good response." "Wonderful job." "Fantastic." "Absolutely." "Of course!" "Fabulous." "That's clever." "I'm pleased." "Thank you." "I'm glad you're here." "It makes me happy when you...." "You perform well...." "I'm so proud of you for...." "You do so well at...." "We think a lot of you when...." "That put you tops on our list." "That shows a great deal of work." "That's a nice expression." "That's interesting." "That was very thoughtful." "Show me how to do that." "You're doing better." "I like that." "This is the best yet." "You were polite to..." "No one could have done it better." "Let's put this somewhere special." "Show this to your father/mother."

Physical
Hugs/squeeze. Kisses. Handshake. Wink. "O.K." gesture with thumb. Pat on the back. A teasing gesture. Eye contact.

Material Reinforcers
Toys. Tricycle. Bicycle. Pets. Books. Games. Puzzles. Food. Own bedroom. Clothing. Musical Instruments. Skates/skateboard. CDs. Own TV-Radio-Stereo. Personal items such as hair dryer, own telephone.

Activity Reinforcers
Playing game with parent. Spending time with parent. Special outing. Play with friends. Reading or being read to. Overnight with relative or friend. Decorating room or home for special event. Helping parent (cook, work in yard, sew, or construct something). Feeding the baby. Extended bedtime. Shopping. Eating out. Plan a day's activities. Watching TV or listening to records. Freedom from chores. Using the telephone. Planting a garden. Taking special lessons (such as music, athletics, art). Public display of work. Party for friends. Going to hamburger stand.

Token Reinforcers (backed by reinforcers listed above)
Stars on a chart. Points. Poker chips. Allowance. Own bank account.

Material Reinforcers
Food. Choice of seat in room. Special pencil or pen. Balls, jump ropes, other playground equipment.