Motivation

[Guest guest]

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Follow the child's lead at first and watch what he goes for .. an item is

generally not considered a reinforcer per say until it is proven to increase

the behavior that occurred prior to it's delivery. It is also a matter of

how MUCH does the child like this item/toy/edible. Will it stand the test

and become something he is willing to work to gain access to it?? Some

kids, the second you place the demand on them decide they don't like that

" thing " all that much. All kids need to eat/drink. But reinforcers should

be SOOO much more than edibles. I'd watch for what he likes to do and simply

go and interact with that item yourself ... making it MORE fun for him by

your interaction than what he can get without you there (IE, making silly

faces, sounds, noises, actions .. singing etc. with it .. and using it ways

he had not though of). Also bouncing, rough play, tickles etc .. things

that only YOU can provide can also help .. like lifting him up VERY HIGH ..

because he isn't able to do it himself, throwing him on a bed, etc etc.

Dr. Carbone talks about motivation alot. Every child is motivated for or by

someothing. The key is to have YOU be the one to supply it. Do not require

ANY demands at first .. just think pez dispenser and delivery all of his

favorite things to him constantly. If he walks away to something else ..

regroup and try again. Limit the amount of things in the environment that

he can gain access to on his own (sanitize the envirionment) and then YOU

can have something of interest .. he will have to come to you eventualy to

get it .. making YOU more valuable .. which is what you are trying to do ..

make YOURSELF the big green M & M (so you won't have to use them .. LOL)..

YOU must become the reinforcer. Hope this helps a bit. Im sure others will

have lots more and much more thorough info on how you can help this little

guy. Just at the start .. remember, no demands. You must be seen as a

GIVER of good things. Even if it is access to the TV or his favorite movie.

Mom could deprive him of these things until you arrive so that YOU are seen

as the one who makes the good stuff happen. Very important to form a

relationship first. The goal is to have him run TO you not AWAY.

ann