The reinforcer that worked at the start of the session stops working

The situation

For the first twenty minutes the learner worked steadily for a preferred item. Now the same item produces no interest. The learner is not upset and nothing is unsafe; they are simply no longer working for what is on offer.

What the plan usually asks for

1. Assume satiation before assuming the program has stopped working. Recent access lowers the value of almost any reinforcer. This is the most likely explanation and the least alarming one.
2. Offer a choice from the reinforcers listed in the program, if the program allows choice. Choice lets the learner tell you what is valuable right now, and rotating items counters satiation.
3. Run the brief preference check if one is written into the program, and use its result. A quick preference assessment at the point of need is exactly what such procedures are for.
4. Note in your session record which reinforcers were used and when interest dropped. Patterns across sessions tell the supervisor whether to expand the reinforcer menu or change the schedule.

What not to do

• Do not bring in something that is not on the program's list, including food, without approval.
• Do not push through with the same item; trials without an effective reinforcer are practice at not responding.
• Do not restrict the learner's access to the item outside sessions on your own initiative; that decision belongs to the supervisor and the family.

When to tell your supervisor

• Tell your supervisor if nothing on the list works for more than a session or two, or if the drop in interest is sudden and unusual for this learner.

Terms used here

• Satiation
• Motivating Operation
• Preference Assessment
• Reinforcer
• Abolishing Operation