Token Economy for a Child With Asperger's or HFA
We have all seen Nanny 911 do "token systems" for the out of control children in the show. Everything from marbles in a jar, to elaborate charts with stickers. (I LOVE charts, but I don't recommend using a chart with an angry or aggressive child.) The angry child will (most likely) rip that chart off the wall and destroy it when he doesn't get his sticker! Kids on the spectrum need motivators and positive reinforcement; a token system can provide both.
Think of it this way: We go to our job knowing at the end of the week, month, whatever.. that we will be paid. We muster through our frustration, annoyances and workload; Do we muster through because "that is just what you do"... no, we either choose to muster through it.. or we won't get PAID. Being paid motivates us to do our jobs, and to push through those tough moments when we want to cuss at the copy machine! How are children any different? School is their job. Sometimes they need a teensy bit of motivation to stay there and do their job effectively. They need to get "paid" for a job well done. A token economy can "pay" your kids when they choose to work without grumbling, going through a day without a meltdown, or doing something as simple as following the schedule.
Here is how we implemented our token system for Mason:
1st we bought the materials: Poker Chips in 3 colors. That's it!
2nd My husband, Mason and I sat down to discuss the system. We allowed Mason to make up "rules" and help us determine what the tokens would be worth. Once everything was set we started the token system the very next day! Here is how it works:
Mason earns a WHITE token for every day that he doesn't get a conduct cut at school. 5 white tokens = A "special" lunch or $5.00 (his choice) {white tokens are worth 1 dollar each}
He earns RED tokens for doing things around the house without having a bad attitude (sweeping, trash, making his bed, etc.), organizing his things, and taking care of his own grooming, fixing his own food, Taking his medicine without reminders, Helping his brother on the bus, etc. Red tokens can be cashed in for Internet time, Video Game time, Special Desserts, Outings, Dollar Tree toys, etc. OR they can be saved and used as cash. {red tokens are worth 25 cents}
He earns a BLUE token if he does something that is uncomfortable, aversive or stressful for him and is able to "cope". (ex. Getting his fingernails cut without freaking out, Going to Walmart unexpectedly, Coping with kids that make fun of him, Handling "losing" well, staying late at school for tutoring, trying new foods, etc.) Blue tokens can be cashed in for the same things as red tokens. {blue tokens are worth 50 cents}
And he simply "loses a token" for things not done, conduct cuts, etc. Or I take red/blue tokens away when he is defiant, or has a bad attitude. White tokens are the ONLY tokens that will earn a special lunch, so he MUST have good behavior at school to earn the daily white token. He can only have a special lunch when he has earned 5 white tokens.
The key to this is that Mason is REEEAAALLLY into earning the tokens. He will ask for "token chores" if he wants to earn more. He has got the system down because he helped create it. I think this system has also helped him make responsible "financial" decisions. Since tokens=money then he has to buy things he wants with his tokens. If we are in the grocery store and he asks for a pack of gum, the first thing I ask is: Do you have any tokens? That spurs him into thinking on whether he should waste 3 red tokens on a pack of gum, or should he save them for the Spiderman he has his eye on...
As Mason gets older, I am sure "allowance" will replace the tokens, and he will be working with real money. But as for now, with our token system, he is getting what he wants (rewards he has earned) and we are getting what we want (good behavior and responsibility.) Good Luck with your token system! - Tiff
