- Reward charts track days or weeks.
- Token boards lead to a reward soon.
- Young autistic children often do better with token boards.
- Earned tokens are never taken away.
How do they differ?
| Reward chart | Token board | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to reward | Days or weeks | Minutes to hours |
| Number of steps | Many | 3 to 10 |
| Best age | Often 7 and up | From about 2 |
| Goal visible? | Sometimes | Always, the reward picture is on the board |
Quick, clear reinforcement is an evidence-based practice.12
Which should I use?
- A token board for young children
- Rewards your child chooses
- Starting with 3 to 5 tokens
- Long charts for young children
- Taking away earned stars
- Rewards weeks away
What can I try this week?
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Read next: How do I use a token board at home?



