Understanding and implementing positive reinforcement as an intervention strategy for children with disabilities.

113 The intervention strategies associated with applied behavior analysis (ABA) repeatedly have been demonstrated as effective techniques for shaping behavior and teaching new skills to children with disabilities. While ABA has been a mainstay of early intervention in special education for decades, occupational therapists typically do not receive training in ABA or the instructional strategies associated with this discipline. Occupational therapists may be able to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their practice by becoming familiar with the principles of ABA and learning to integrate them into their clinical work. This paper will describe briefly ABA and argue that occupational therapists could enhance their services for children with disabilities through conscientious integration of contingent positive reinforcement into practice.