What Is DRI vs DRO vs DRA in ABA? A Clear Guide for Families and Professionals in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina

First: What Is Differential Reinforcement?

Differential reinforcement means:

Reinforcing one behavior while withholding reinforcement for another.

Instead of focusing only on stopping a behavior, ABA focuses on teaching and reinforcing what we want to see instead.

The strategy is rooted in behavioral science and supported by decades of research (National Autism Center: https://www.nationalautismcenter.org).

In our sessions across MD, VA, and NC, differential reinforcement is often one of the first interventions we implement, especially for behaviors like aggression, elopement, or task refusal.

What Is DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior)?

DRA involves reinforcing a behavior that serves the same function as the challenging behavior but is more appropriate.

Simple Definition:

You teach and reinforce a replacement behavior that meets the same need.

Example of DRA

A child screams to escape a difficult task.

Instead of reinforcing screaming (by removing the task immediately), we teach the child to say:

• “Break, please.”
  
  
• Or hand a break card.
  
  

When the child uses the replacement behavior, they receive a break.

In our North Carolina sessions, we’ve seen dramatic reductions in tantrums once children are taught functional communication alternatives.

When Is DRA Used?

DRA is used when:

• The challenging behavior serves a clear function (attention, escape, access to items).
  
  
• A replacement behavior can reasonably meet the same need.
  
  
• The child has the ability to learn the new skill.
  
  

DRA is one of the most common and powerful reinforcement strategies in ABA.

What Is DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior)?

DRI involves reinforcing a behavior that physically cannot occur at the same time as the challenging behavior.

Simple Definition:

You reinforce a behavior that makes the problem behavior impossible.

Example of DRI

If a child hits peers:

You reinforce:

• Keeping hands in pockets
  
  
• Clapping
  
  
• Holding a stress ball
  
  

Because a child cannot hit while holding a ball, the behavior is incompatible.

In a Maryland classroom case we supported, reinforcing “hands folded on desk” during group instruction significantly reduced peer hitting.

When Is DRI Used?

DRI is ideal when:

• The behavior is physical (hitting, biting, grabbing).
  
  
• A clearly incompatible action exists.
  
  
• Immediate safety is a concern.

DRI is often used in school settings in Virginia where safety is a top priority.

What Is DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior)?

DRO reinforces the absence of the challenging behavior during a set time interval.

Simple Definition:

If the problem behavior does NOT occur for a specific period, reinforcement is delivered.

Example of DRO

If a child calls out during class:

• A 5-minute timer is set.
  
  
• If no calling out occurs during those 5 minutes, reinforcement is provided.
• 
  

In our sessions in North Carolina, we’ve used DRO successfully for repetitive vocalizations.

When Is DRO Used?

DRO is appropriate when:

• The behavior occurs frequently.
  
  
• A clear alternative behavior is not yet identified.
  
  
• The goal is general reduction rather than skill replacement.
  
  

However, DRO does NOT teach a specific replacement behavior, which is why DRA is often preferred when possible.

DRI vs DRO vs DRA: Side-by-Side Comparison

Real-World Case Example: Combining Strategies in Virginia

In one Virginia case, a 6-year-old engaged in:

• Elopement
  
  
• Throwing materials
  
  
• Screaming during tasks
  
  

We implemented:

• DRA for requesting breaks
  
  
• DRI for keeping hands on desk
  
  
• DRO for intervals without throwing
  
  

Within three months:

• Elopement decreased significantly
  
  
• Task tolerance improved
  
  
• Screaming reduced
  
  

The combination allowed us to both reduce behavior and build new skills.

Which Strategy Is Best?

There is no universal “best” option.

Choice depends on:

• The function of the behavior
  
  
• Safety considerations
  
  
• Skill level of the child
  
  
• Setting (home vs school)

The BACB Ethics Code emphasizes individualized treatment planning.

In our clinical practice across Maryland and North Carolina, we often prioritize DRA because it teaches meaningful communication skills.

Why DRA Is Often Preferred

While DRO can reduce behavior, it does not teach a new skill.

DRA:

• Builds independence
  
  
• Increases communication
  
  
• Reduces frustration
  
  
• Generalizes across settings
  
  

We’ve seen children transition from aggressive behaviors to calm verbal requests simply by reinforcing appropriate alternatives consistently.

Common Parent Questions

Is DRA punishment?

No. DRA focuses on reinforcement, not punishment.

Does DRO ignore the child?

No. It withholds reinforcement for the specific behavior but does not ignore the child entirely.

Can these strategies be used at home?

Yes, with guidance from your BCBA.

School Applications in MD, VA, and NC

Teachers often use:

• DRI for safe hands
  
  
• DRO for classroom disruptions
  
  
• DRA for requesting help
  
  

The Virginia Department of Education outlines behavioral support guidelines under IDEA.

Collaboration between ABA providers and school staff ensures consistency.

Signs Differential Reinforcement Is Working

Look for:

• Gradual decrease in target behavior
  
  
• Increased use of replacement skills
  
  
• Shorter behavior durations
  
  
• Greater independence
  
  

In our sessions, we rely on data graphs to confirm effectiveness.

When Differential Reinforcement Should Be Adjusted

If:

• Behavior increases dramatically
  
  
• Replacement skill is not used
  
  
• Reinforcement is inconsistent
  
  

The plan may need modification.

ABA is dynamic, not static.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between DRI, DRO, and DRA empowers parents, educators, and professionals to make informed decisions about behavioral interventions. While all three strategies are rooted in evidence-based ABA principles, they serve different purposes: DRA focuses on teaching functional replacement behaviors, DRI reinforces behaviors that physically prevent unsafe actions, and DRO reduces behaviors by reinforcing their absence over time. In Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, these approaches are commonly used in homes, clinics, and classrooms to promote skill development while decreasing challenging behaviors. When implemented thoughtfully and guided by assessment data, differential reinforcement strategies not only reduce unwanted behaviors but also build meaningful, lasting skills that support independence and long-term success.

At Divine Steps ABA, we specialize in tailoring ABA strategies like DRI, DRO, and DRA to meet each child’s unique needs. Serving families through ABA therapy in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, our team provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy that builds skills while reducing challenges. 

Learn how we can help your child thrive at home, in school, and beyond. Contact us today!



Frequently Asked Questions

SOURCES:

https://www.bacb.com/ethics-information/

https://www.doe.virginia.gov

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

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

https://www.reddit.com/r/ABA/comments/1dkx6f3/how_can_you_tell_the_difference_between_dri_dra/