DRO in ABA: What is Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)?
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) is a reinforcement-based procedure that reduces challenging behaviors by reinforcing their absence during specified intervals. This approach differs from punishment-based methods by focusing on what the learner should do instead of what they should stop doing.
Table of Contents
- DRO in ABA: What is Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)?
- Implementing DRO: Worked Examples from Assessment to Intervention
- DRO on the BCBA Exam: What to Know and Common Traps
- Ethical Implementation and a Practitioner’s Checklist
The core principle involves delivering reinforcement when the target behavior does not occur for a predetermined period. This makes DRO particularly effective for behaviors that serve multiple functions or when alternative behaviors are difficult to identify.
The Core Principle: Reinforcing the Absence
DRO reinforces the non-occurrence of a specific target behavior. Unlike Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) or Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI), DRO doesn’t require teaching a specific replacement behavior. The reinforcement contingency is simply the absence of the target behavior for the interval.
This makes DRO particularly useful when the function of behavior is unclear or when multiple replacement behaviors would be needed. However, it’s crucial to understand that DRO should typically be part of a comprehensive plan that includes teaching appropriate skills.
Key Components and Parameters
Every DRO procedure requires careful planning of several essential components:
- Target Behavior: Clearly defined, observable, and measurable behavior to reduce
- Interval Type: Fixed (same duration each time) or variable (changing durations)
- Reinforcer: Potent, preferred item or activity identified through preference assessment
- Reset Rule: Whether the interval resets if the behavior occurs (resetting DRO) or continues (non-resetting DRO)
- Data Collection: System to track behavior occurrence and reinforcement delivery
Implementing DRO: Worked Examples from Assessment to Intervention
Effective DRO implementation begins with thorough assessment and moves systematically to intervention design. These examples demonstrate how functional assessment data directly informs DRO procedure parameters.
Example 1: Reducing Elopement in a School Setting
Assessment data revealed the following pattern: During transitions between activities (antecedent), the student elopes from the classroom (behavior), resulting in escape from the upcoming task (consequence). The hypothesized function is escape from demands.
The DRO procedure uses a 5-minute fixed interval. Reinforcement (access to preferred computer time) is delivered if the student remains in the designated area for the entire interval. If elopement occurs, the interval resets immediately. This approach is combined with teaching appropriate transition skills and using a visual schedule to reduce anxiety about upcoming activities.
Example 2: Addressing Vocal Stereotypy for Attention
Functional assessment showed that during independent work periods with low adult attention (antecedent), the student engages in loud vocal stereotypy (behavior), which consistently results in peer reactions and occasional teacher redirection (consequence). The function appears to be attention-seeking.
A 3-minute variable interval DRO is implemented, with intervals ranging from 1-5 minutes. Reinforcement (brief social interaction with a preferred peer) is provided when vocal stereotypy does not occur. Ethical considerations include ensuring the behavior isn’t automatically reinforced and that the intervention doesn’t suppress self-stimulatory behaviors that serve important sensory functions for the learner.
DRO on the BCBA Exam: What to Know and Common Traps
DRO questions frequently appear on the BCBA exam, testing both conceptual understanding and practical application. Mastery requires distinguishing DRO from other differential reinforcement procedures and understanding implementation nuances.
Essential Terminology and Concepts
Several key terms are essential for exam success:
- Interval DRO: Reinforcement delivered if behavior doesn’t occur during entire interval
- Momentary DRO: Reinforcement delivered if behavior isn’t occurring at the moment the interval ends
- Resetting DRO: Interval restarts if behavior occurs during the interval
- Non-resetting DRO: Interval continues regardless of behavior occurrence
- Schedule Thinning: Gradually increasing interval duration to promote maintenance
These concepts map directly to BACB Task List sections B-9 (implementing differential reinforcement procedures) and require understanding of reinforcement schedules from basic principles.
Frequently Missed Questions and How to Avoid Them
Common exam traps include confusing DRO with other procedures. DRO differs from DRA (reinforcing specific alternative behavior) and DRI (reinforcing physically incompatible behavior). Another frequent error involves selecting DRO for behaviors with automatic reinforcement functions without providing alternative sensory input.
To avoid these traps, always consider the behavior’s function first. DRO works best when combined with other interventions, not as a standalone procedure. Remember that successful DRO requires a powerful reinforcer that competes effectively with the reinforcement maintaining the target behavior.
Ethical Implementation and a Practitioner’s Checklist
Ethical DRO implementation requires balancing effectiveness with respect for client dignity and autonomy. The BACB Ethics Code emphasizes client rights, including participation in intervention planning and choice whenever possible.
Aligning DRO with Client Dignity and Choice
Ethical DRO implementation involves clients in goal-setting and reinforcer selection. This collaborative approach increases social validity and treatment acceptability. Practitioners should ensure DRO is part of a comprehensive plan that teaches skills, not just reduces behaviors.
Considerations include avoiding undue restriction and ensuring interventions don’t suppress behaviors that serve important functions for the client. Regular data collection and monitoring help ensure the procedure remains effective and doesn’t produce unintended side effects.
DRO Implementation Quick-Check
Use this checklist before implementing any DRO procedure:
- Completed functional behavior assessment to identify behavior function
- Selected appropriate interval type and duration based on baseline data
- Identified potent reinforcer through systematic preference assessment
- Defined clear reset rules (resetting vs. non-resetting)
- Established reliable data collection system for both behavior and reinforcement
- Developed plan for schedule thinning to promote maintenance
- Included teaching component for appropriate replacement behaviors
- Obtained necessary consents and explained procedure to stakeholders
DRO represents a powerful tool in the behavior analyst’s toolkit when implemented thoughtfully and ethically. By focusing on reinforcement rather than punishment, it aligns with the positive behavior support framework and promotes lasting behavior change. For more on differential reinforcement procedures, see our comprehensive guide on differential reinforcement in ABA.
Remember that effective intervention requires ongoing assessment and adjustment. Monitor both behavior reduction and skill acquisition, and be prepared to modify procedures based on data. For additional resources on ethical implementation, consult the BACB Ethics Code and peer-reviewed literature on reinforcement-based interventions.
