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What Everyday Household Items Can Be Used as Reinforcers in ABA Therapy?
March 4, 2026
In
ABA therapy, a
reinforcer is anything that increases the likelihood a behavior will happen again. According to the
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), reinforcement is a core evidence-based principle in behavior change. The key is choosing items your child truly enjoys.
Many effective reinforcers are already in your home, including:
- Favorite snacks or drinks
- Stickers or stamps
- Bubbles
- Small toys or action figures
- Crayons and coloring books
- Tablet time or a short YouTube clip
- Extra outdoor play
- High-fives or specific praise
The CDC emphasizes positive reinforcement as a helpful strategy for supporting children with autism.
In our sessions, we’ve seen simple items like bubbles or a 2-minute dance break dramatically increase motivation during skill-building. The most powerful reinforcers are individualized and paired with enthusiastic praise.
Divine Steps ABA is here to support your family through ABA therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, and help identifying meaningful reinforcers and building effective strategies at home.
Learn how we can help your child thrive. Contact us today!
SOURCES:
https://www.bacb.com/about-behavior-analysis/
https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/index.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25197-applied-behavior-analysis
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-applied-behavior-analysis
https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/aba-therapy-examples
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