What Is Differential Reinforcement in ABA? 

What if the key to reducing challenging behaviors wasn’t punishment, but a subtle shift in how we respond? Many families and professionals wonder what is differential reinforcement in ABA and why it’s considered a game-changer in behavior support. This approach hides a powerful strategy that not only shapes behavior but also builds stronger connections. Ready to uncover how it works—and why it matters more than you think?

TL;DR

Differential reinforcement in ABA reduces problem behaviors by reinforcing desirable alternatives or incompatible actions while withholding reinforcement for inappropriate ones. It uses strategies like DRA, DRI, and DRO to encourage positive change, requires identifying clear target behaviors, and selecting meaningful reinforcers that match the function of the behavior. Success depends on consistent, timely application, ongoing monitoring, and adjustments. When applied effectively, it strengthens positive behaviors, decreases problem behaviors, and supports lasting behavior change.

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How Is Differential Reinforcement Different from Other ABA Techniques?

Differential Reinforcement in ABA stands out by selectively reinforcing desirable behaviors while putting problem behaviors on extinction. It relies on a prior functional analysis and on teaching an alternative or incompatible response that serves the same function.

It is based on designing precise and timely incentives to shape the target behavior.

Main types and their purpose

• DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors): teaches a specific alternative behavior that fulfills the same function as the problem behavior.
• DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors): reinforces a response pattern that cannot occur at the same time as the undesired behavior.
• DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors): reinforces the absence of the undesired behavior during a time interval.

Learn the Concept of Differential Reinforcement

Differential reinforcement is a behavior modification technique that involves reinforcing responses different from the one to be eliminated. Instead of focusing on the negative, it emphasizes noticing and rewarding moments of appropriate behavior, increasing their frequency while reducing problem behavior.

When an inappropriate behavior appears (for example, shouting in class), it is not reinforced at that moment. Instead, calm periods or “latency” are used to provide praise, give a star, or allow a preferred activity. This way, the person learns that attention and access to reinforcers come from appropriate actions, not problematic ones.

The technique is more effective when the plan is explained, clear rules are agreed upon, and school and home are aligned. With practice, patience, and consistency, differential reinforcement can produce lasting changes and help the individual internalize what to do without relying constantly on external reinforcement.

Identify the Behavior to Be Reinforced

In differential reinforcement, the key step is clearly defining the behavior to be reinforced. This should be an incompatible or alternative behavior to the problem behavior targeted for reduction. The idea is to offer the individual an acceptable and desirable option that directly competes with the inappropriate behavior.

Types of behaviors to select

Incompatible behavior: cannot occur at the same time as the undesired behavior.

Alternative behavior: different from the problem behavior, but acceptable and functional in context.

Criteria for selecting the correct behavior

1. Must be acceptable and desirable within the environment.
2. Must not coexist with the undesired response (for incompatible behaviors).
3. Must be achievable: already in the person’s repertoire or easy to learn.
4. Must be easy to reinforce with meaningful and timely stimuli.

Identifying the behavior to reinforce is not only about choosing “something positive,” but about strategically defining an alternative or incompatible action that can be learned and maintained with effective rewards. This step is essential for differential reinforcement to reduce problem behavior and increase desirable behavior.

Choose the Appropriate Reinforcement for the Desired Behavior

In differential reinforcement, effectiveness depends on selecting a reinforcer that truly motivates the individual. This involves analyzing the function of the problem behavior and choosing a positive stimulus that is meaningful and meets the same need the undesired behavior attempted to satisfy.

Choosing the right incentive is the foundation for differential reinforcement to work. By linking the individual’s motivation to relevant reinforcers, problem behaviors can be reduced, and desired behaviors strengthened effectively.

Differentiate Between Targeted and Non-Targeted Behaviors

It is essential to distinguish between targeted and non-targeted behaviors.

• Targeted behaviors: aim at a specific goal and are addressed by reinforcing a desirable alternative.
• Non-targeted behaviors: do not pursue a specific goal and focus instead on reducing or eliminating a problem behavior without necessarily teaching an alternative.

Targeted Behaviors (DRA)

What it is: Reinforcing a desirable behavior that replaces the inappropriate one.

Purpose: Teach new skills or strengthen positive behaviors already present.

Non-Targeted Behaviors (DRO and DRI)

DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behaviors):

• What it is: Decreases or eliminates the problem behavior by reinforcing periods of its absence.
• Purpose: Reduce problem frequency without directly teaching an alternative.

DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors):

• What it is: Reinforces a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the inappropriate one.
• Purpose: Prevent or block the occurrence of the problem by promoting an incompatible action.

Both strategies are useful and are applied depending on the intervention goals and the nature of the problem.

Monitor and Adjust Reinforcement to Ensure Effectiveness

In differential reinforcement, it is not enough to simply choose a reinforcer and apply it automatically. To ensure effectiveness, behavior must be monitored continuously, the most effective reinforcers identified, and adjustments made when necessary. This ensures desired behaviors increase while problem behaviors decrease.

Setting clear and realistic goals

• Specific behaviors: Precisely define what to increase or decrease.
• Measurable objectives: Establish clear, quantifiable goals to evaluate progress objectively.

Consistent and timely implementation

Immediacy: Apply reinforcement right after the desired behavior to maintain a clear link between action and consequence.

Frequency:

• Start with continuous reinforcement when the behavior is new, to ensure acquisition.
• Transition to intermittent reinforcement once the behavior is established, to maintain it.

Adjustments based on monitoring

• Changes in response: If the behavior does not increase, review the type, frequency, or intensity of the reinforcer.
• Avoiding habituation: Vary reinforcers (social, tangible, activities) to keep them engaging.
• Reinforcing correct alternatives: Ensure the appropriate alternative is reinforced and the problem behavior is not inadvertently rewarded.

Monitoring and adjusting reinforcement is essential for success. With clear goals, consistent and immediate application, and flexible adjustments based on the individual’s response, this strategy strengthens desired behaviors and reduces problem ones in a sustainable way.

Key Takeaways

1. Differential reinforcement in ABA focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors while withholding reinforcement for problem behaviors, making it a positive alternative to punishment.
2. Core principle: reward appropriate or alternative responses that serve the same function as the problem behavior, thereby increasing desirable actions and reducing inappropriate ones.
3. Types of differential reinforcement:
   • DRA (Alternative Behaviors): reinforce a specific alternative that replaces the problem.
   • DRI (Incompatible Behaviors): reinforce behaviors that cannot occur simultaneously with the problem.
   • DRO (Other Behaviors): reinforce the absence of the problem within a set time interval.
4. Concept application: reinforcement is provided during appropriate behaviors or moments of calm, never during the problem behavior itself. Consistency, patience, and collaboration across environments enhance effectiveness.
5. Identifying target behaviors: select actions that are acceptable, incompatible or alternative to the problem, achievable for the individual, and easy to reinforce with meaningful stimuli.
6. Choosing reinforcers: effectiveness depends on matching reinforcers to the function of the problem behavior. Options include comestibles, social praise, tangible objects, and preferred activities.
7. Targeted vs. non-targeted behaviors:
   • Targeted (DRA): build or strengthen specific positive skills.
   • Non-targeted (DRO/DRI): reduce or eliminate problem behaviors without necessarily teaching alternatives.
8. Monitoring and adjusting: effectiveness requires ongoing observation, setting clear and measurable goals, providing reinforcement immediately and consistently, and adjusting type, frequency, or intensity of reinforcers as needed.
9. Overall outcome: when applied correctly, differential reinforcement reduces problem behaviors, strengthens desirable ones, and supports sustainable behavior change.

Sources

• Weston, R., Hodges, A., & Davis, T. N. (2018). Differential reinforcement of other behaviors to treat challenging behaviors among children with autism: A systematic and quality review. Behavior Modification, 42(4), 584-609.

https://journals.sagepub.com

• Kimball, R. T., Greer, B. D., Randall, K. R., & Briggs, A. M. (2020). Investigations of operant ABA renewal during differential reinforcement. Journal of the experimental analysis of behavior, 113(1), 187-205.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com