Within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), reinforcement plays a vital role in strengthening behavior. Decades of research support the use of token economies as an effective, flexible way to deliver reinforcement across a wide range of settings and behavioral goals (Matson & Boisjoli, 2009; Boniecki & Moore, 2003; Carnett et al., 2014). Token economy systems allow interventionists to reinforce desired behaviors, build motivation, and help learners develop valuable new skills in structured, predictable ways.

What Is a Token Economy?

A token economy is a reinforcement strategy in which an individual earns generalized reinforcers—called tokens—that can later be exchanged for backup reinforcers, such as preferred items or activities. While tokens themselves hold no natural value, they become powerful through repeated pairing with valued reinforcers.

Token economies can be used to reinforce a variety of skill domains, including:

• Academic behaviors

• Communication

• Daily living skills

• Adaptive skills

• Prosocial behaviors

• Reduction of challenging behaviors through reinforcement of appropriate alternatives

Because they are highly adjustable and effective across ages and abilities, token economies are a foundational tool in ABA.

How Token Economy Works

Token Economy and the Real World

Token economies mirror real-world systems. In the broader economy, money functions as our token. A dollar bill has no inherent value; it’s simply paper. But because we learn that money can be exchanged for things we need or want, we work to earn it.

This comparison helps interventionists understand how tokens acquire reinforcing value:

• Adults work for money

• Learners work for tokens

• Tokens are exchanged for backup reinforcers

• The perceived value of the backup determines how hard a learner will work

If you wouldn’t work an entire week for a single pretzel, you shouldn’t expect your learner to complete challenging tasks for something they do not value. Reinforcement must match the learner’s perceived effort, not your own assumptions about difficulty.

Perceived effort is key.
Tasks that seem simple to you may feel overwhelming to the learner. Their behavior will tell you how they perceive task difficulty. Reinforcer assessments help determine how much work a learner will complete for a given reinforcer.

To learn more about reinforcer assessments, read our post: Choosing Reinforcers: Reinforcer Assessments Or Preference Assessments.

When to Use a Token Economy

While token economies are highly flexible, certain conditions make them especially appropriate:

Use a token economy when:

• The learner benefits from structured reinforcement

• You want to avoid an FR1 schedule of reinforcement, but still need frequent reinforcement

• Tangible reinforcers alone lose value quickly

• You need a simple, predictable system that’s easy to implement

• The learner responds well to visual supports

• The learner needs delayed reinforcement to build persistence

Learners Who Benefit Most

Token economies are effective with:

• Children and teens who understand earning and exchanging

• Learners who thrive on visual systems

• Learners who need reinforcement delivered frequently and consistently

• Learners who need support building intrinsic motivation

• Autistic learners who may not respond strongly to social reinforcement alone

Language level matters only in how the token value is taught—not whether tokens can be used.

Introducing a Token Economy to Learners

Before implementing a token economy, you must make four critical decisions:

1. Which tokens will be used
   (coins, stickers, digital icons, Velcro pieces, themed tokens)

2. What the learner must do to earn a token
   (clear, objective criteria)

3. How many tokens are needed to “buy” the backup reinforcer
   (and how this will be visually shown)

4. Which backup reinforcers will be available
   (items, activities, sensory experiences, social interactions, etc.)

Token economies can be very simple or highly complex. The right system depends on the learner’s communication level, cognitive skills, interests, and the interventionist’s capacity to maintain the system.

Teaching Token Value to Learners With Strong Language

Learners with solid receptive language typically understand token systems quickly when you explain:

• What earns a token

• How many tokens are needed

• What the reinforcer choices are

• When they can exchange tokens

Even with strong language, visual supports help the learner know:

• What they are working for

• Their progress toward the goal

• How many tokens remain

Teaching Token Value to Learners With Limited Language

Token economies can be highly effective for learners with limited communication skills, but require pairing to help the learner understand that tokens have value.

A step-by-step teaching procedure:

1. Start with a simple token board with only one token missing.

2. When the learner earns a token, immediately:

   • Deliver a preferred tangible reinforcer

   • Present the token

   • Provide specific praise (“You earned a token!”)

3. Once value builds, remove two tokens from the board.

4. Pair the first token with a small reinforcer, and the second token with a larger or more powerful reinforcer.

5. Gradually remove more tokens until the learner must complete the entire board to exchange.

6. Fade tangible reinforcers, but continue pairing tokens with praise.

This systematic approach teaches the learner that tokens have meaning and are worth working for.

Creating Token Systems That Motivate

Tokens can take many forms, including:

• Coins

• Poker chips

• Stickers

• Velcro pictures

• Checkmarks in a box

• Digital tokens on a device

A system becomes even more effective when the token itself is motivating, not just the backup reinforcer.

Using Perseverative Interests to Increase Effectiveness

Research by Carnett et al. (2014) shows that using tokens related to a learner’s restricted interest (e.g., rockets, animals, trains) increases engagement and treatment effects.

This means:

• If the learner loves dinosaurs → use dinosaur tokens

• If they love space → use rocket or planet tokens

• If they love animals → use animal icons

Interest-based token systems increase intrinsic motivation over time and reduce reinforcer satiation.

Token Economy and Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation occurs when an individual finds an activity enjoyable or satisfying on its own. However:

• Many autistic children are not naturally motivated by social reinforcement.

• Social praise alone may not function as a reinforcer.

• New or difficult tasks often require external reinforcement first.

How a Token Economy Builds Intrinsic Motivation

Token economies help:

• Pair tasks with reinforcement

• Delay reinforcement gradually

• Thin reinforcement schedules

• Transition learners from external to internal motivation over time

Through reinforcement pairing and gradual schedule thinning, learners start to experience tasks as more reinforcing—even without frequent external rewards.

Example: Using Token Economy to Build Intrinsic Motivation

Token Economy Example to Build Intrinsic Motivation

You want to teach your client, Craig, to become more intrinsically motivated to complete a puzzle. You chose this activity because Craig struggles with engaging in appropriate leisure activities and often engages in challenging behavior when he has nothing to do. Currently, Craig completes a 12-piece jigsaw puzzle and receives a Goldfish cracker after he puts together each piece. It takes him about 5 minutes to finish the puzzle.

You find a 24-piece puzzle and get started. You set out a token board with 12 tokens. Initially, you pair each token with a Goldfish cracker and when Craig earns all 12 tokens, he will trade them in for 3 minutes of his favorite video. For this first puzzle, he earns a token for each piece he puts together and with each token, he gets a cracker. He stops the puzzle halfway through to watch the video and earns another 3 minutes when he completes the puzzle. This puzzle took him 20 minutes to complete and he appeared happy to get the Goldfish and watch the video.

Thinning the Schedule

Over time, you thin the schedule of reinforcement using the token economy system. He begins to earn a token for every 2 pieces he puts together, then every 3. You continue to pair the tokens with social praise and incorporate social praise in between the delivery of tokens.

Over time, Craig begins to tackle 50-piece puzzles and completes the whole puzzle before earning a token. Through pairing and schedule thinning, Craig becomes increasingly intrinsically motivated to complete puzzles. Eventually, puzzles themselves may become reinforcing.

Token Economy Examples

Token economies can be applied across environments and customized for different learner needs. Below are examples of simple, creative, and advanced token systems used in homes, schools, and clinical settings.

Simple Token Boards

Simple token boards are often the easiest place to start. They usually include:

• A visual of the backup reinforcer (“I’m working for ___”)

• 3–10 token spaces

• Visual cues that show progress

These boards help learners understand:

• What they are earning

• How many tokens they need

• How close they are to reinforcement

Even basic systems can significantly increase motivation and structure.

Interest-Based Token Boards (More Motivating)

Using token designs aligned with a learner’s favorite topics (e.g., rockets, trains, Pokémon, vehicles) increases engagement and makes tokens themselves more reinforcing.

For example:

• If a learner loves space → use a rocket token board

• If a learner loves animals → use animals as tokens

• If a learner loves cars → use car icons

Research (Carnett et al., 2014) shows that perseverative-interest token systems increase treatment effects and reduce challenging behavior.

Download this Rocket Token Board

Digital Token Boards

With access to tablets, phones, and computers increasing across home and school environments, digital token boards are becoming an incredibly motivating tool.

Benefits include:

• Built-in animations

• Fun sound effects

• Easy reset between trials

• No physical pieces to lose

• Highly portable

• Perfect for telehealth and virtual learning

These work especially well for learners who love technology.

Token Economy in Compliance Training (Video Example)

Your video demonstrating token boards during compliance training fits perfectly here. It shows:

• Fast reinforcement

• Fade-in prompting

• Maintaining motivation during challenging tasks

Token Economy at Home

Token economies are one of the most parent-friendly ABA interventions. They are simple, flexible, and do not require specialized materials.

Parents can use them to reinforce:

• Manners

• Cooperative play

• Cleaning up

• Following routines

• Homework

• Toileting routines

• Daily living tasks

• Sibling interactions

• Transitioning away from preferred activities

Simple Token Systems for Home

Parents often use token boards to reinforce one behavior at a time (highly recommended for early success).

Example behaviors for simple home systems:

• Turn-taking

• Brushing teeth steps

• Sitting at the table during meals

• Cleaning up toys

• Completing chores

• Following simple directions

• Practicing imitation or language skills

Choosing backup reinforcers at home

Parents often choose:

• Extra time with a favorite toy

• Bubbles

• Stickers

• Video time

• A small treat

• A special activity with a parent

• Time outdoors

• A silly video together

Parents need clear coaching to limit non-contingent access to backup reinforcers. If a child gets the reward anytime, it won’t function as reinforcement.

The Jar System (For Bigger Rewards)

Some children benefit from a system where they work toward a larger reward earned over time. The jar system builds on token economy skills and increases delayed gratification.

How the Jar System Works

1. Choose a high-value reinforcer (e.g., trip, toy, activity).

2. Choose items to fill the jar (pom poms, cubes, glass beads).

3. Give one item each time the learner engages in the target behavior.

4. When the jar is full, the child earns the big reward.

This system is perfect for:

• Older learners

• Learners with stronger language skills

• Building long-term goals

• Reinforcing multiple behaviors

Creative Variations

• Use Chuck E. Cheese tokens for a planned trip

• Use puzzle pieces to reveal a surprise

• Use Lego bricks to build a reward structure

Parents love these systems because they are visual, motivating, and easy to understand.

More Complex Token Systems

For learners who can handle more advanced systems, parents and teachers can implement point-based or multi-behavior systems.

Examples:

• Points on a dry-erase chart

• A customizable punch card

• A weekly point tracker

• A classroom “store”

These systems reinforce:

• Homework completion

• Chores

• Morning and bedtime routines

• Sleeping independently

• Being kind to siblings

• Completing classroom tasks

• Classroom participation

Backup reinforcers must match the effort and delay required.

Examples of reinforcers for complex systems:

• A trip to a favorite place

• Extra video game time

• Special outing with a parent

• Toy from a preferred store

• Extra recess or free time

• A classroom movie party

Complex systems should always be introduced gradually to prevent frustration.

Token Economy at School

Token economies are widely used in educational settings because they:

• Are quick to deliver

• Fit easily into busy classrooms

• Reduce disruptive behavior

• Increase academic engagement

• Promote positive classroom culture

• Support classroom-wide systems or individualized interventions

Behaviors teachers commonly reinforce:

• Completing morning work

• Raising a hand before speaking

• Staying seated

• Following directions

• Cleaning up

• Transitioning between activities

• Helping peers

• Walking quietly in hallways

• Completing academic tasks

• Participating in group work

Teachers can reinforce:

• Individual students

• Small groups

• Entire classrooms

Backup reinforcers vary based on age and classroom structure.

Common school reinforcers include:

• Prize box items

• Extra recess

• Lunch with the teacher

• Special classroom jobs

• Game time

• Stickers or badges

• Free drawing or coloring

• Class parties

Token economies allow teachers to maintain consistency even when students have different needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Token Economy

Token economies are powerful, flexible interventions — but they’re not perfect. Understanding the strengths and potential pitfalls helps you implement them effectively.

Below is a clear comparison to guide decision-making.

Advantages of Token Economy

1. Teaches Delayed Gratification

A token economy naturally teaches patience. Learners must earn multiple tokens before receiving the backup reinforcer, making it an ideal next step after FR1 reinforcement.

2. Extremely Flexible

Token economies can reinforce:

• Any target behavior

• Multiple behaviors

• Short- or long-term goals

• Individuals or groups

• Simple to highly complex systems

They can incorporate almost any type of token and backup reinforcer.

3. Allows Reinforcement Even When Backup Reinforcers Aren’t Available

Tokens bridge the gap between the behavior and reinforcement. This helps maintain motivation even if the primary reinforcer is delayed.

4. Keeps Learners Engaged

Tokens maintain excitement and reduce satiation. Even when the backup reinforcer is familiar, tokens can sustain interest and momentum.

5. Easy to Use With Multiple Learners

Teachers and parents can reinforce several learners at once, even when each learner is working toward different reinforcers.

6. Promotes Consistency Across Adults

Having a structured token system helps interventionists, teachers, and parents reinforce behaviors the same way. Consistency accelerates progress.

7. Teaches a Real-World Concept

Tokens function like money. When learners understand that tokens have value, they build a foundation for financial concepts later in life.

Disadvantages of Token Economy

1. Tokens Do Not Have Innate Value

Some learners may struggle to understand why tokens matter. Without systematic pairing, the system may fail.

2. Requires Planning

Effective implementation means ensuring:

• Tokens are available at all times

• Backup reinforcers are prepared

• The system is explained clearly

• Expectations are consistent

Poor planning reduces effectiveness.

3. Frustration Can Occur

If:

• Tokens are too hard to earn

• Backup reinforcers are not motivating

• The learner forgets they’re earning tokens

Frustration and decreased responding may follow.

4. Token Loss Can Be Demotivating

Although response cost is sometimes used, taking tokens away can damage rapport or increase problem behavior if used carelessly.

Other Considerations for Token Economy

A token economy is simple in concept, but several advanced variables affect how well it works. Addressing these proactively can dramatically improve success.

Thinning the Schedule of Reinforcement

Token economies make reinforcement thinning much smoother. As learners progress from immediate reinforcement to earning tokens, motivation stays high even as expectations increase.

Example

• You increased the reinforcement schedule from FR1 → FR4 with no problem.

• At FR6, the learner’s behavior worsens.

• Introduce a token board with 4 tokens.

• Deliver tokens on a VR2 schedule, then exchange them for a larger VR8 reinforcer.

This process:

• Maintains motivation

• Reduces emotional responding

• Prevents extinction bursts

• Builds endurance for longer tasks

Gradual thinning is essential for long-term behavior change. For more information about schedules of reinforcement, read our post: Understanding Consequence Interventions: Punishment vs Reinforcement.

Satiation of Reinforcer Options

Even highly preferred reinforcers lose value with repeated use. To maintain motivation:

• Conduct preference assessments frequently

• Rotate reinforcer options

• Introduce novel items

• Avoid giving reinforcers freely outside the token system

If responding decreases, reinforcer effectiveness is likely the culprit. If you're not sure what the difference is, read this post Choosing Reinforcers: Reinforcer Assessments or Preference Assessments.

Using Response Cost (Use With Caution)

Response cost means removing tokens following problem behavior.

Example

A 6-year-old learner uses a token board to increase academic participation.
He earns tokens for:

• Completing worksheets

• Making relevant comments

• Participating in lessons

He loses a token each time he swears in class (response cost).

Why use sparingly?

• It can negatively impact rapport

• It may increase emotional behavior

• It may overshadow positive reinforcement

• It doesn’t teach a replacement skill

If used at all, response cost must be:

• Clearly defined

• Used sparingly

• Paired with strong reinforcement

• Monitored carefully

As a general rule in compassionate ABA:
Build behavior up before taking anything away.

Conclusion

Token economies have decades of research supporting their use across home, school, and clinical environments. Their strength lies in their flexibility: they can be simple or complex, individualized or classwide, short-term or long-term. With thoughtful implementation—clear expectations, motivating reinforcers, consistent delivery, and gradual thinning—token economies can dramatically improve engagement, reduce challenging behaviors, and build essential skills like delayed gratification and intrinsic motivation.

When used compassionately and strategically, token economies become more than a reinforcement system; they become a meaningful pathway toward independence, confidence, and long-term success.

References and Related Reading

Boniecki, K. A., & Moore, S. (2003). Breaking the silence: Using a token economy to reinforce classroom participation. Teaching of Psychology, 30(3), 224-227.

Carnett, A., Raulston, T., Lang, R., Tostanoski, A., Lee, A., Sigafoos, J., & Machalicek, W. (2014). Effects of a perseverative interest-based token economy on challenging and on-task behavior in a child with autism. Journal of Behavioral Education, 23(3), 368-377.

Doll, C., McLaughlin, T. F., & Barretto, A. (2013). The token economy: A recent review and evaluation. International Journal of basic and applied science, 2(1), 131-149.

Falligant, J. M., & Kranak, M. P. (2022). Rate Dependence and Token Reinforcement? A Preliminary Analysis. The Psychological Record, 72(4), 751-757.

Ivy, J. W., Meindl, J. N., Overley, E., & Robson, K. M. (2017). Token economy: A systematic review of procedural descriptions. Behavior Modification, 41(5), 708-737.

Kazdin, A. E. (1982). The token economy: A decade later. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 15(3), 431-445.

Kim, J. Y., Fienup, D. M., Reed, D. D., & Jahromi, L. B. (2022). A Rapid Assessment of Sensitivity to Reward Delays and Classwide Token Economy Savings for School-Aged Children. Journal of Behavioral Education, 1-24.

Massaro, I. (2022). Evaluation of the value of activity-based token reinforcement (Doctoral dissertation, Rutgers University-Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology).

Matson, J. L., & Boisjoli, J. A. (2009). The token economy for children with intellectual disability and/or autism: A review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30(2), 240-248.

Murniyati, B., & Wardhani, J. D. (2023). Economic Token Techniques as an Effort to Increase the Independence of Children Aged 4-5 Years. Early Childhood Research Journal (ECRJ), 5(2), 29-43.

National Autism Center. (2009). National standards report. Retrieved December 27, 2020, from http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/

Radhamani, K., & Kalaivani, D. (2023). Token economies in the classroom: A review of literature. International Journal of Educational Psychology, 13(1), 1-15.

Richling, S. M., Williams, W. L., & Carr, J. E. (2019). The effects of different mastery criteria on the skill maintenance of children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 52(3), 701-717.