The Parent’s Guide to DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is packed with powerful strategies to help children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Among these, DRI, DRO, and DRA are three of the most effective and widely used techniques. If you’ve ever wondered, “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA?” or searched for a “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA example,” you’re in the right place. This article will break down each method, show you real-world examples, and explain how they can make a difference for your child.

What is Differential Reinforcement in ABA?

Differential reinforcement is a cornerstone of ABA therapy. It’s an ABA technique that helps increase positive behaviors while decreasing unwanted ones, without using punishment. Instead, it relies on reinforcing (rewarding) certain behaviors and not others, making it a positive and evidence-based approach for children with autism and other developmental challenges.

Why is Differential Reinforcement Important?

• It’s positive: Focuses on what children can do, not what they shouldn’t do.

• It’s flexible: It can be adapted to various behaviors and settings.

• It’s effective: Backed by decades of research and real-world success stories.

The Big Three: DRI, DRO, and DRA

When people ask, “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA?” they’re talking about three types of differential reinforcement, each with its own focus and method:

• DRI: Reinforce behaviors that are physically incompatible with the unwanted behavior.

• DRO: Reinforce any behavior except the unwanted behavior.

• DRA: Reinforce a specific alternative behavior that serves the same purpose as the unwanted behavior.

Let’s break down each one.

DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior)

What is DRI in ABA?

DRI stands for Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior. In DRI, the therapist or parent reinforces a behavior that cannot happen at the same time as the unwanted behavior. In other words, it’s physically impossible to do both at once.

Key Points

• Focuses on behaviors that directly contradict the problem behavior.

• Used when you want to completely replace a challenging behavior.

• Reinforcement is only given when the incompatible behavior occurs.

How DRI Works

• Identify the unwanted behavior.

• Find a behavior that cannot occur at the same time.

• Reinforce the incompatible behavior every time it happens.

DRI Examples in Everyday Life

• Example 1: If a child tends to hit others, reinforce them for keeping their hands in their pockets or holding a soft toy. It’s impossible to hit and have hands in pockets at the same time.

• Example 2: For a child who gets up from their seat during lessons, reinforce sitting with hands folded on the desk. Standing and sitting with hands folded can’t happen together.

• Example 3: If a child bites their nails, reinforce them for playing with a fidget toy instead. Nail-biting and fidgeting with a toy are incompatible behaviors.

When to Use DRI

• When the problem behavior is frequent and you can identify a clear, incompatible behavior.

• When you want to completely eliminate the unwanted behavior.

DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior)

What is DRO in ABA?

DRO stands for Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior. With DRO, you reinforce the child for not engaging in the unwanted behavior for a certain amount of time. It doesn’t matter what else they do, as long as it’s not the problem behavior.

Key Points

• Reinforcement is given for the absence of the problem behavior.

• Doesn’t require a specific replacement behavior.

• Useful when you can’t easily identify an alternative or incompatible behavior.

Types of DRO

There are several types of DRO, each with its own timing and rules:

• Whole-Interval DRO: Reinforcement is given if the problem behavior does not occur at all during the entire interval.

• Momentary DRO: Reinforcement is given if the problem behavior is not occurring at the precise moment the interval ends.

• Interval DRO: Similar to whole-interval, but intervals can be adjusted.

• Spaced-Responding DRO: Reinforcement is provided if the behavior is spaced out over time.

DRO Examples in Practice

• Example 1: A child who screams during class is reinforced with a sticker for each 10-minute interval they don’t scream.

• Example 2: During a family dinner, a child who usually interrupts is praised for each five-minute period they don’t interrupt.

• Example 3: A child who throws toys receives a token for every 15 minutes they don’t throw anything.

When to Use DRO

• When the problem behavior is rare or hard to predict.

• When you want to reinforce any positive behavior that isn’t the problem behavior.

DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior)

What is DRA in ABA?

DRA stands for Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior. In DRA, you reinforce a specific alternative behavior that serves the same function as the unwanted behavior. The alternative behavior doesn’t have to be physically incompatible, but it should be more appropriate and meet the child’s needs.

Key Points

• Focuses on teaching a positive behavior that replaces the problem behavior.

• The alternative behavior should serve the same purpose (e.g., communication, escape, attention).

• Reinforcement is only given when the alternative behavior occurs.

Types of DRA

There are three main types of DRA:

1. Functional Communication Training (FCT): Teaching the child to use words or signs to communicate instead of using problem behaviors.

2. Skill Replacement: Reinforcing a new skill that serves the same function as the unwanted behavior.

3. Competing Response Training: Reinforcing a behavior that competes with the problem behavior but isn’t necessarily incompatible.

DRA Examples in Real Settings

• Example 1: A child who screams to get attention is reinforced for saying “excuse me” instead.

• Example 2: A student who throws materials when frustrated is reinforced for asking for a break.

• Example 3: A child who grabs toys from others is reinforced for requesting a turn verbally.

When to Use DRA

• When you can identify the function of the problem behavior.

• When you want to teach a positive, socially appropriate alternative.

DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA: Key Differences and Similarities

Understanding “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA?” comes down to knowing how each method targets behavior:

All three are positive, evidence-based, and can be used together or separately depending on the child’s needs.

What is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA Example?

Here’s a handy table showing “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA example” for quick reference:

This table helps clarify “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA example” for parents and therapists alike.

Tips for Parents and Therapists: Making Differential Reinforcement Work

• Be Consistent: Reinforce every time the target behavior happens, especially at first.

• Use Meaningful Rewards: Choose reinforcers that are motivating for your child.

• Keep Intervals Short at First: For DRO, start with short intervals and gradually increase as the child succeeds.

• Know the Function: For DRA, make sure the alternative behavior meets the same need as the problem behavior.

• Track Progress: Keep data or notes to see what’s working and adjust as needed.

• Collaborate: Work with your ABA team to tailor strategies to your child’s strengths and challenges.

How Little Champs ABA Can Help Your Child Succeed

At Little Champs ABA, we believe every child is a champion in the making. Our approach is all about celebrating progress—big and small—using proven ABA strategies like DRI, DRO, and DRA. Here’s what makes us different:

• Personalized Plans: No two children are the same, so neither are their therapy plans. We create custom programs based on your child’s unique strengths, needs, and family goals.

• Data-Driven Progress: Every decision is backed by data, ensuring your child’s therapy is always moving forward.

• Family Partnership: We work closely with parents and caregivers, offering ongoing training and support so you can reinforce progress at home.

• Flexible Services: In-home, in-school, and remote options to fit your family’s schedule and comfort.

• Celebrating Every Victory: From the first word to new friendships, we’re there to cheer on every milestone.

• Insurance Support: Our team helps you navigate insurance paperwork so you can focus on your child’s growth, not the red tape.

• No Waitlists: We’re ready to help as soon as you are—because every moment counts.

Ready to see your child shine? At Little Champs ABA, we’re more than therapists—we’re your child’s biggest fans.

Conclusion

Understanding “what is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA?” is a game-changer for parents and therapists. These strategies are not just jargon—they’re practical, proven tools that can help your child build new skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and grow in confidence.

If you’re ready to see your child become a Little Champ, let’s make it happen together. Call us today and ask about our “First Step Forward” session—an exclusive, no-obligation meeting where we’ll help you map out your child’s unique path to success. Because every champion’s journey starts with a single step—and we can’t wait to take it with you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is DRA the same as DRI?

No, DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior) and DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior) are different. DRA reinforces a specific alternative behavior that serves the same function as the problem behavior, while DRI reinforces a behavior that is physically incompatible with the problem behavior—they cannot happen at the same time.

What is a DRI in ABA?

DRI in ABA stands for Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior. It’s a strategy where you reinforce a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the unwanted behavior, helping to replace the problem behavior with a positive one.

What are the three types of DRA?

The three main types of DRA are:

1. Functional Communication Training (FCT): Teaching communication as an alternative.

2. Skill Replacement: Reinforcing a new skill that serves the same function.

3. Competing Response Training: Reinforcing a behavior that competes with the problem behavior, though not necessarily incompatible.

Sources:

• https://btexamreview.com/differential-reinforcement-dro-dra-dri-drl-explained-simply/

• https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-is-differential-reinforcement/