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Reward ideas for autistic kids (that aren't sweets)

Sensory, activity, social and special-interest rewards, and how to find what motivates your child.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 29, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

The best reward is whatever your child wants right now, and it doesn't need to be food. Try sensory rewards (bubbles, spinning, a trampoline, squishy toys), activities (a favourite song, a video, drawing), social rewards (tickles, high-fives, time with you) and special interests (trains, dinosaurs, maps). Watch what your child chooses when free, and rotate rewards so they stay exciting.

Key takeaways
  • The best reward is what your child wants right now.
  • It doesn't need to be food.
  • Small and quick works well.
  • Rotate rewards to keep them exciting.

What rewards can I try?

Reward ideas
TypeIdeas
SensoryBubbles, spinning, trampoline, squishy toys, light-up toys, swinging
ActivityFavourite song, short video, drawing, stickers, puzzle
SocialTickles, high-fives, piggyback, singing together
Special interestTrain time, dinosaur book, map, favourite character
OutingsPark, library, water play

Reinforcement works best when it's something your child actually wants, given right after the task.1

How do I find what works?

Try
  • Watching free-time choices
  • Offering two options
  • Using a picture of the reward
Skip
  • Guessing what your child likes
  • The same reward every day
  • Rewards much later

A picture of the reward on a first-then or token board helps your child remember what they're working for.2

Free printable: 5-star token chartPDF · 1 page · earn stars toward something they love
Download Free printable: 5-star token chart

What can I try this week?

0 of 3 done

Read next: How do I use a token board at home?

Common questions

Watch what they choose when they're free, and offer two options to see which they pick.

Sources

  1. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Reinforcement. afirm.fpg.unc.edu
  2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. afirm.fpg.unc.edu

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Every child is different, so please talk with your child's doctor or care team about what's right for your family. How we write our guides.

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