Motivation That Lasts: Building Systems That Don’t Burn Out

In this episode, we’re diving deep into something that sits at the heart of everything we do in ABA: reinforcement. Not just reinforcement that works today, but reinforcement that is sustainable, meaningful, and built to last. Too often, we see systems burn out learners and staff alike because they are too rigid, too sparse, or misunderstood altogether.

We walk through why reinforcement systems get such a bad rap, common mistakes we see in practice, and why “it doesn’t work” usually means the system was not set up to truly function as reinforcement. From dense, continuous schedules for new or challenging skills to gradually fading toward intermittent, natural, and relationship-based reinforcement, we break down how motivation should evolve alongside the learner.

We also talk about the power of pairing, rotating reinforcers, avoiding satiation, and ensuring reinforcement is not only available when behavior goes wrong. Ultimately, we explore how to move toward self-management and internal motivation without throwing reinforcement out altogether. If you are looking to build systems that support independence, persistence, and long-term success without burnout, this conversation is for you.

What's Inside: 

• Why reinforcement systems often fail and how to fix them
• Moving from continuous to intermittent reinforcement effectively
• Common token system mistakes that drain motivation
• How to fade reinforcement while building independence and self-management

Mentioned in This Episode:
Reinforcer Checklist
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