“One of the most important technologies of behavior modifiers and applied behavior analysts over the last 40 years has been the token economy.”
This was one of the findings from Louisiana State University researchers Jessica Boisjoli and Jonny Matson in their 2009 research paper: The Token Economy for Children with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism: A Review. Simply put, a token economy is a system used in behavior modification to provide positive reinforcement to a child. It is designed to teach them what behaviors are desired and which are not. Token economies are used as a method of strengthening a behavior or increasing its frequency.
How does a token economy work?
The premise of a token economy is that a child can earn a certain number of tokens by exhibiting desired behaviors. For example, a child may be required to earn 5 tokens which can be exchanged for a larger and more preferred item. They can then exchange these tokens, essentially using them as a form of currency to gain access to backup reinforcers. The desired or target behaviors vary per client and could include, getting a certain amount of spelling words correct, greeting their teacher in the morning or interacting with other children during recess. Conversely, tokens might also be used to discourage other behaviors such aggression. If a child demonstrates a calm demeanor when speaking with teachers, they would receive a token for not being hostile. If a child engages in aggression or stereotypy, tokens may be delivered during times they are not engaging in these behaviors.
What is a backup reinforcer?
A backup reinforcer is an activity, item or privilege that the child enjoys. It acts as a reward. The token economy is effective because the child soon makes the association between the back-up reinforcers and the tokens for engaging in the desired behaviors. The result is the child exhibits the target behaviors occur more often.
What does a token economy chart look like?
The amount of tokens required to earn a backup reinforcer are usually illustrated in a chart form. Just as the types of behaviors a token economy enforces are different, so are the ways in which this system is depicted. Some charts are simply boards with a laminated sheet of paper, a particular number of Velcro strips with stars, smiley faces or other symbols. Other will have a space where an image of something being earned such as a reinforcer can be placed. A chart might have space to write down what is being worked towards while others will be used only to record how many tokens have been earned.
Token economies can be a positive part of the behavior modification process by using items that interest the client. For example, if the client is crazy about Mickey Mouse, the tokens themselves can be pictures of Mickey. Clients with multiple interests often want to earn different types of tokens for their token economy. For older clients who may think a picture system is silly, points or coins can be used instead of paper tokens. While the principles behind a token economy do not change, the implementation of this system can and should vary based on the child’s abilities, interests and the specific behaviors being targeted.
One last token
The many aspects of a token economy should be individualized to meet the learner’s needs and interests. This tool can be very helpful in supporting the increase of particular behaviors as well as a decrease of others. However, token economies should be used in conjunction with the behavior plan already in place. Data should be collected to support that the implementation is having the desired effect.
It’s also important to remember that though a token economy might seem like a merely fun game to incorporate during therapy, it is a scientifically proven tool that yields remarkable results.