What Are You Working For?

May 03, 2011

My new job is working one on one with children with autism.  Kids on the spectrum have particular needs.  ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is an effective way to help them.  ABA is a "hard" science, unlike psychology.  Behavior can be quantified and measured.  With kids on the spectrum, behavior can be molded using positive reinforcement.

So, when I sit down with one of my kids to begin a session, I ask, "What are you working for?"  Positive reinforcement works for them, but the hard part can be finding something that is reinforcing.  With each kid, it's important to find that reinforcer which will keep them at the table doing some really hard work.

I don't have autism, but I need that reinforcer, too.  Losing weight is a built in reinforcer.  However, my love affair with food has served me all through my lifetime.  I've used food as a medication for years.  It numbs my emotions and soothes my soul.  WIth all the upheaval in my life lately, emotional eating has been a problem this past week.  I do pretty well during the day but at night not so much.  So, I need to change what I'm working for.  I need a more powerful reinforcer.

I haven't figured out what that is yet.  I think I may need some quick, easy reinforcers that don't delay gratification too long... that aren't food.  I haven't come up with any ideas yet.  Mostly, I'm focused on the need.  But, I'm going to sleep on it and see if I can't dream up a solution.

Blessings to you.  Thanks for being part of my solution.

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