Other approaches
Provide precise, positive praise while the student is learning
Give students precise information about what they do right or well; for
example, “great colouring,” or “good finishing of that math problem.”
Generalized praise may result in unintended learning that is hard to
reverse. Students with autism may learn on one trial, so directing the
praise to the very specific behaviour is important: “Sal, you are doing
very well at multiplying these numbers.” Superstitious learning can
occur if students mistakenly connect something they are doing with the
praise. Saying “Sal, you are doing very well” when Sal is also swinging
his feet while he does the math assignment might connect the feet
swinging with the general praise.