Use of a Level System with Flexible Shaping to Improve Synchronous Engagement
A token level system with built-in shaping quickly raises synchronous play between preschoolers with autism.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Cihon et al. (2019) paired two preschoolers with autism for short play sessions. They used a flexible level system: kids earned tokens for playing together, traded tokens for toys, and moved up levels with tougher goals.
The team ran an ABAB reversal. When the level system was on, both dyads had to meet rising play targets. When it was off, tokens stopped and play returned to baseline.
What they found
Synchronous engagement jumped every time the level system kicked in. The reversal design showed the gains were clearly tied to the tokens and shaping steps.
Both pairs of children kept meeting the next level’s harder goal, so the authors could keep raising the bar without losing the fun.
How this fits with other research
Day et al. (2021) also boosted joint engagement during playdates, but parents ran the session and taught requesting instead of using tokens. Both studies show playdates can work; Cihon adds a ready-made token package you can bring yourself.
Glugose et al. (2021) stretched the idea further. They trained neurotypical siblings, not adults, to run naturalistic play. Their siblings got the same big gains, proving the child partner can be the change agent once you give the tools.
Chiang et al. (2016) tried caregiver-led movement play and saw only small gains. The clearer success of Cihon’s level system suggests adult-controlled contingencies, not just shared activity, may be the active ingredient.
Why it matters
If you run dyadic play for preschoolers with autism, keep a token board handy. Start with easy joint play, then tighten the rules as kids succeed. The reversal evidence says you’ll see quick, visible jumps in shared eye contact, smiles, and turn-taking—no extra staff needed.
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Join Free →Tape a three-level token board to the table, give each preschooler five tokens for every 10 seconds of shared toy play, and bump the requirement up once they hit 80% for two rounds.
02At a glance
03Original abstract
Level systems have been described as a framework which can be used to shape behavior through the systematic application of behavioral principles. Within level systems, an individual moves up and down through various levels contingent upon specific behaviors. Although level systems are commonly used within schools and other settings, they have a limited empirical literature base, and there is debate over the efficacy and overall acceptance of level systems. More especially, there is scant empirical literature on the use level systems to improve socially significant behaviors (e.g., synchronous engagement) with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a level system with a structured, yet flexible approach to movement on improving synchronous engagement with two dyads of children diagnosed with ASD. The results of an ABAB reversal design indicated that the level system was effective at improving synchronous engagement for both dyads. The results are discussed in relation to potential future research difficulties and clinical implications.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2019 · doi:10.1007/s40617-018-0254-8