Which of the following should not be used as free access items in behavior support plans?

In behavior support plans, the use of free access items is meant to serve as a motivator for individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum. While toys, snacks, and games can be effective as reinforcers or motivation tools, it's essential to differentiate between items provided freely and those that should be contingency-based for behavioral management.

Reinforcers are typically seen in the context of being contingent on specific behaviors. For instance, the intent behind using snacks, toys, or games is to encourage desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement. When these items are used without any contingency, such as providing them freely without requirements, they lose their role as effective motivational tools. The aim is to build a structure where the individual learns that certain behaviors yield access to preferred items, thereby reinforcing those behaviors over time.

By design, free access items should include things that are not explicitly classified as reinforcers in the behavioral context, as this can lead to a lack of clarity in the reinforcement strategy. Thus, items like snacks or toys that can be perceived as fun or enjoyable can be used freely, but the essence of providing general "reinforcers" can lead to confusion in behavioral management. This is why the selection of free access items requires careful consideration to ensure that they