Feature ArticleWhat is a Token Economy? A 'not so science-y' approach to behavior |
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Token economies are often seen when teaching in the field of ABA. A token economy is a system used to build behavior momentum and teach new skills. Each token holds value, and with each token received, learners are one step closer to receiving a highly preferred reinforcer. This could include a tangible item they enjoy playing with, tickles from their favorite person, or time away from the learning environment. In order to earn each token, learners must respond appropriately depending on the stimuli (aka demand/instruction) given. It is important to present stimuli already in the learner's repertoire before expanding to novel instructions. This is what builds behavior momentum. |
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When responding to stimuli already known to the learner, the learner is likely to continue responding correctly after each token. For example, in teaching Johnny to “touch nose” we will add stimuli he already knows, like “jump”, “wave hi”, “stomp feet”, and “touch your head”. Johnny will gain a token each time he responds appropriately, and while the behavior momentum is up, we will add his new target “touch nose”. Don’t forget that each learner is different, and their prompt levels vary. Johnny may need a model when prompted to “touch nose”. After Johnny earns all of his tokens, he will be granted access to his highly preferred item. Example Token Economy Board |
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Ask your BCBA Supervisor more about Token Economies during your Parent Training meetings! |
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Gentle ReminderPlease don't forget to text or call the office with any cancellations (201)-720-8600. Include your child's name and the Behavior Therapist's name. |
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Weekend Social Skills Group Are you interested in your child attending a Saturday Social Skills Group at that Rainbow ABA center in Bloomfield? Please email Lauren@rainbowtherapy.org |
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Katie Langston, Center Director Katie is originally from Poconos, PA and moved to New Jersey 8 years ago to purse the field of ABA. She has been with Rainbow ABA for little over a year now and is the Bloomfield Center Director. Katie says her favorite thing about Rainbow ABA is "how collaborative and supportive everyone is!" Her advice to parents/caregivers is to "celebrate every success your child makes!". A fun fact about Katie is she loves to learn new trivia facts and wants to be on Jeopardy one day. In her spare time, you can find Katie spending time with her husband, daughter, and dogs. She loves to go for walks with them! |
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Rosayris Suriel-Cruz, Behavior Therapist Rosayris is from Perth Amboy and has been a Behavior Therapist at Rainbow for a little over 3 months. She says "Although I've been here for only 3 months, I love the Rainbow environment. The work environment is fun and diverse every day. I am always supported by my BCBA. It's a big family!" Rosayris is a proud Latina/Hispanic that travels every day to NYC to attend a private Ivy League research university. Her advice to other Behavior Therapists is, "It's not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up." |
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Meet the Clinical Leadership Team |
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| | Gabrielle Centra-Taylor, M.A., BCBA Clinical Director |
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| | Lauren E. Fernandez, M.S., BCBA Director of Clinical Development |
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| | Rebecca Jeon M.A., BCBA Assistant Clinical Director |
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| | Katie Murphy M.A., BCBA Center Director |
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Saint Patrick's Day Craft Looking for a fun, easy, & cute St. Patrick's Day Activity? Print this sheet! Provide students with strips of green paper. Have them cut the strips into squares and glue them on the shamrock. Last, have them write or dictate why they are lucky. | | |
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Fork Stamps This Fork Stamped Tulips Craft is a fun and unique Spring craft perfect for kids of any age! Work on color ID, fine motor skills, following directions and other skills. | | |
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Make a Wish Use this lucky 4-leaf clover to have your child write a sentence about their wishes for their family, the world, a friend and themselves, you'll be surprised at how much you learn about them! | | |
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