Reinforcement for Children with ADD

Potential Reinforcers for Junior High Youths (Ages 12-14) at Home
Social Reinforcers
Verbal

1. Specific praise.

2. Kidding and joking.

3. Suggested words or phrases: "Neat." "Fantastic." "Wow." "Super." "Great." "Nice." "On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11!" "It is a pleasure having you as a... (son or daughter)." "I'm proud of you." "I like your attitude (behavior)." "That was very thoughtful." "You just made my life easier." "You are a lot of help." "You do so well at..." "It pleases me when you..." "I like that outfit." "That's so-o-o good." "Show us how to do that." "That's better."

Smiles. Eye contact. Physical contact (only if adolescent approves). Winks.

Material Reinforcers
Favorite meal. Snack. Clothes. Books and magazines. Own phone. TV-radio. Stereo. Tapes. C.D.'s. Moped. Electric razor. Hair dryer. Curlers. Own room. Gift certificate. Guitar or other musical instruments. Money. Sports equipment. Hobby items. Own pet.

Activity Reinforcers
Participate in activities with friends. Special lessons (such as music, sports, modeling, art). Roller skating. Additional time on telephone. Playing stereo. Choosing own bedtime. Extended curfew. Staying up late. Staying overnight with friends. Time off from assigned chores. Opportunity to earn money. TV privileges. Being chairperson of a family meeting. Decorating own room. Camping out. Summer camp. Expensive haircut. Trip to amusement park. Sleeping late. Discussion with parents. School activities. Party for friends. Taking a friend out for pizza. Shopping trip (clothes). Ski trip. Bowling. Sporting events. Time with parents alone (apart from younger brothers and sisters).

Token Reinforcers
Points (backed by any reinforcer above). Money.

Potential Reinforcers for Senior High Youths (Ages 15-18) at Home
Social Reinforcers
Verbal

1. Specific praise.

2. Kidding and joking.

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

4. Suggested words or phrases: "Swell." "All right." "Super." "Great." "Bravo." "Well done." "Commendable." "Delightful." "Excellent." "Likeable." "Terrific." "How true." "Good job." "That's clever." "I'm pleased." "I'm glad you're here." "That's a prize of a job." "It makes me happy when you..." "Lookin' good." "Yeah." "How beautiful." "Well thought out." "You are very sincere." "That shows thought." "This is the best yet." "Now you're really trying." "You have a good attitude." "Keep up the good work." "Your room looks so neat." "Whatever you decide is okay." "That was a good suggestion." "What is your opinion?" "What would you suggest?"

Smiles. Eye contact. Nods. Physical contact (only if adolescent approves).

Material Reinforcers
Books. Pets. Playing cards. Games. Musical instruments. Records. Tapes. Sports equipment. Tools to work on car or motorcycle. Typewriter, record player, TV. Own telephone. Clothes. Electrical equipment (for example, shaver, hair dryer, make-up mirror). Craft kits. Favorite food. Car keys. Money.

Activity Reinforcers
Leading family groups. Exempting a duty or assigned task. Cooking. Working on car or cycle. Listening to TV, stereo, tapes. Talking on the telephone. Free time with peer group. Special outing (parent pays) such as, musical group, sporting event, bowling, roller/ice skating, movie. Remodeling, redecorating room. Shopping trip. Friend staying overnight or staying with friend.

Token Reinforcers
Points (appropriate for some 14- to 15-year-olds, backed by material and/or activity reinforcers). Money.

The Reinforcement Questionnaire is helpful with selecting reinforcers.

From Keys to Parenting a Child with Attention Deficit Disorders by Barry E. McNamara, Ed.D. & Francine J. McNamara, M.S.W., C.S.W. Copyright © 2000 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with Barrons Educational Series, Inc.

Buy the book at Barron's.