Using Economic Incentives to Influence Decision-Making in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Research Summary
Journal of Behavioral Education - The Use of Economic Manipulations to Influence Choice in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Volume 34, Pages 237-251,(2025) Read Full Research
Reimagining Motivation: Rutgers Researchers Merge Behavioral Economics and Compassionate ABA
A team of Rutgers researchers—Dr. Robert LaRue, Dr. Christopher Manente, Dr. James Maraventano, and Dr. Lara Delmolino—has developed a groundbreaking approach to motivation and behavior change that merges behavioral economics with applied behavior analysis (ABA). Their work offers a more compassionate, choice-based alternative to traditional compliance-driven methods in autism intervention.
A New Economics of Behavior
The research team introduced a fresh framework for shaping behavior by adjusting the “economics” of reinforcement. Instead of mandating participation or limiting choice, they rebalanced how effort and reward were valued. Participants earned higher pay for completing less-preferred tasks, such as vacuuming, while the cost of some of their favorite activities or snacks increased (and healthier alternatives cost less).
This system transformed behavioral engagement into a self-motivated decision rather than enforced compliance. Across participants, the results were remarkable: as reinforcement values shifted, motivation soared, and individuals began choosing—and completing—tasks they had previously avoided.
Empowering Choice and Independence
The team’s findings challenge the notion that independence is achieved through control. Instead, they reveal that true motivation flourishes when individuals are given autonomy and meaningful choices within structured, data-informed systems.
“This research shows that independence doesn’t come from control—it comes from creating environments where individuals are motivated to participate because they want to, not because they’re made to,” said Dr. LaRue.
Their model offers a transformative direction for clinicians and educators—one that aligns evidence-based practice with compassion, demonstrating that behavioral science can promote both progress and dignity.
Leadership in Innovation and Ethics
Dr. Robert LaRue, the project’s principal investigator, led the conceptual design. He integrated behavioral economics principles into ABA practice and designed the experimental structure that revealed clear cause-and-effect links between reinforcement adjustments and motivation. His leadership emphasized dignity, autonomy, and respect for individual choice—hallmarks of modern, compassionate intervention.
Dr. Christopher Manente directed the study’s implementation, ensuring procedural integrity across educational and adult day program settings. His hands-on oversight resulted in near-perfect fidelity and demonstrated that such approaches can succeed in real-world environments.
Dr. James Maraventano ensured the study was executed efficiently by guiding staff through the intervention protocols to ensure consistent implementation and visually represented the outcomes to illustrate the intervention’s impact.
Ensuring the study’s ethical backbone, Dr. Lara Delmolino coordinated participant recruitment and safeguarded adherence to Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards. Her work ensured transparency, informed consent, and participant well-being—affirming that ethical responsibility can drive scientific progress.
(ChatGPT, November 14, 2025)
