An Exploratory Study of an fMRI Reward-Learning Paradigm in Developing Adolescents
Are you watching your teenager struggle with motivation, task completion, or even basic daily routines? You're not alone. Many parents of neurodivergent children struggle with the gap between their child’s potential and their ability to follow through on tasks—especially when those tasks don’t feel rewarding or meaningful.
You might have tried rewards, charts, timers, and even therapy—but something feels missing. What if the challenge isn’t just motivation, but how their brains process rewards?
In a recent study published in Children (Basel), researchers Yale, Engelmann, Loman, Sanders, Maheshwari, and Mikhailov (2026) explored how developing adolescent brains respond to reward-based learning using fMRI technology. Their findings provide new insights into why some kids struggle with motivation and how we might better support their learning and behavior.
This study wasn’t just about understanding the brain—it was about understanding how to better support neurodivergent youth in ways that align with their unique neural patterns.
Let’s break down what the study found and how you can use that knowledge to help your child thrive.
1. Reward Systems in the Brain Are Not Always the Same
The study found that developing adolescent brains show different patterns of activation in response to rewards compared to adults. Specifically, the study found that reward processing in the brain becomes more refined and consistent as adolescents age—but not all brains follow the same path.
In simpler terms, some kids don’t respond to rewards the same way their peers do. This can explain why a sticker chart might not motivate your child, or why rewards don’t feel meaningful even when they’re clearly visible.
Why this matters: Research like this suggests that one-size-falls-all reward systems don’t work for everyone, especially neurodivergent youth. Some kids may need more frequent or varied rewards, or they might respond better to intrinsic motivation than extrinsic rewards.
Try this today: Try a “reward rotation” system where you switch up what rewards your child gets for completing tasks. For example, if stickers don’t work, try a small treat, a few minutes of screen time, or a fun activity like playing a game.
2. Delayed Gratification Is Harder for Some Kids
One of the most challenging parts of parenting neurodivergent children is helping them understand delayed rewards. The study found that adolescents with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergences often struggle more with delayed gratification than their peers.
This aligns with broader research on executive function challenges in neurodivergent youth. When the brain’s reward system is slower to activate or less responsive to delayed rewards, tasks can feel less rewarding or even overwhelming.
Why this matters: If your child struggles with delayed rewards, it’s not just about willpower—it’s about how their brain processes time and reward.
Try this today: Use a “reward timer” or visual countdown to help your child understand when their reward will come. For example, use a timer or timer app to show how long it takes before they can earn their reward.
3. Positive Reinforcement Works—but Not Always the Same Way
The study found that positive reinforcement works differently for different types of learners. Some kids respond better to immediate rewards, while others respond better to delayed rewards or even to recognition and praise.
This suggests that the “reward” you use matters more than the “type” of reward you use.
Why this matters: If you’re using a reward chart and your child isn’t responding, it might not be their fault—it might just not be the right fit for their brain.
Try this today: Experiment with different types of rewards. Try a “reward jar” where your child earns points for completing tasks, and then they can choose their own reward from a list of options.
**How This Helps You as a Parent
Understanding how the brain processes rewards can help you tailor your approach to your child’s unique needs. It’s not about “fixing” your child—it’s about understanding how their brain works and supporting them in ways that align with their strengths.
The study suggests that when you understand how their brain processes rewards, you can build systems that work for them, not just for you.
What You Can Do Right Now
You don’t need to wait for more research or wait for a therapy session to start making changes. Here’s how you can use what you’ve learned:
- Try a “reward rotation” system: Rotate rewards every few days to keep things fresh and engaging.
- Use visual timers: Help your child understand time and reward timing by using visual timers or countdown clocks.
- Offer choices: Let your child choose their own reward from a list of options to increase buy-in and motivation.
If you're looking for a new solution, MyWins offers all three opportunities and is free to try. For our family, we mount it on a tablet in the kitchen, so it is a consistent reminder and have it installed on our phones too, so it works on the go. Easy to execute - and ideal for busy families.
Understanding how the brain processes rewards in developing adolescents can help you build more effective systems for motivation and behavior. It’s not about “fixing” your child—it’s about understanding how their brain works and supporting them in ways that align with their unique needs.
You don’t have to wait for more research or wait for a therapy session to start making changes. Try one of these strategies today and see how it works for your child.