Why We’re Ditching Token Systems and Rewards in Speech Therapy (and What We Do Instead)

For years, therapists, teachers, and parents have been told that kids need external rewards to stay motivated, especially autistic kids. Sticker charts, token boards, and “first, then” systems have been the norm. But as we continue to learn from autistic voices, new research, and real-life experiences, many of us are realizing that these systems often do more harm than good.

In this post, we’re diving into why we’re moving away from extrinsic rewards, how they can actually damage motivation, and what we’re doing instead to support authentic, meaningful communication.

What Is Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation?

• Extrinsic Motivation comes from outside forces. It consists of rewards, praise, or avoiding consequences. Example: “If you finish your worksheet, you’ll get a sticker.”

• Intrinsic Motivation comes from within. It’s the internal drive to do something because it’s meaningful, enjoyable, or fulfilling. Example: “I want to play with my favorite toy because it’s fun.”

The Problems with Extrinsic Rewards in Therapy

1. Decreased Intrinsic Motivation
   Research shows that when kids receive external rewards for things they already enjoy, their natural interest decreases. Rewards actually make enjoyable tasks feel like work.

2. Prompt Dependency
   Kids start relying on adult prompts (“What color do you want?”) instead of initiating, exploring, or communicating independently.

3. Damaged Relationships
   Rewarding compliance creates a power imbalance. When we dangle what a child loves over their head, it damages trust.

4. Suppressing Authentic Autistic Traits
   Many traditional “rewardable” behaviors (eye contact, still bodies, sitting quietly) directly conflict with autistic sensory and communication needs.

5. Overriding Consent and Autonomy
   Reward systems often teach kids to comply with adults rather than trust their own instincts, a dangerous lesson for any child, but especially for autistic kids who are more vulnerable to mistreatment and even abuse.

What We Do Instead

1. Follow the Child’s Lead
   We join their play, whether it’s spinning wheels, lining up toys, or acting out Peppa Pig scenes for the 100th time.

2. Offer Choices
   Choice-making builds autonomy and gives kids control.

3. Embrace Their Interests
   We build goals into what they already love, whether princesses, trash trucks, or dinosaurs.

4. Support Sensory Regulation First
   Movement, sensory breaks, and preferred sensory input help kids feel safe and regulated enough to engage.

5. Celebrate All Forms of Communication
   We honor scripting, stimming, AAC, and multimodal communication, not just speech.

6. Trust the Process
   Communication development is not linear, and progress will look differently for each child.

Ditching reward systems is about honoring children as whole people, fostering real relationships, and helping them communicate authentically. When kids feel safe, respected, and understood, their motivation to connect naturally grows.