What Is DRO in ABA? A Worked Example and When to Use It

Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) is a procedure for reducing problem behavior in which a child earns reinforcement when the behavior does not occur during a set time interval, or at the moment the interval ends. It reinforces the absence of the behavior, not any specific replacement skill. 

A worked example: screaming when a preferred activity ends

This is an illustrative composite, not a specific client. A 5-year-old screams when tablet time ends. Across baseline sessions, the team counts about 6 screams per 30 minutes, an average of roughly 5 minutes between screams. Starting at or slightly below that average, the BCBA sets a whole-interval DRO at 4 minutes. The reinforcer comes from a preference assessment: one minute with a favorite toy.

After three successful intervals in a row, the BCBA lengthens the interval, for example to 5 minutes, and repeats the criterion. Notice that the child earned the toy while whining, because DRO only tracks screaming. That is why the team also records whining and other behaviors. DRO alone doesn't teach the child anything, so the BCBA also teaches a way to ask for more tablet time.

The rest of this guide covers how the procedure is set up, where it fits among other strategies, and what to watch for.

What Does DRO Mean in ABA?

Before diving into the details, it helps to understand thatABA strategiesare often built around reinforcement, what we encourage tends to grow. DRO is unique because it focuses on reinforcingthe absenceof a behavior rather than a specific action.

Breaking Down the Acronym

DROstands forDifferential Reinforcement of Other Behavior.

In simple terms,DRO ABAmeans reinforcing a child when a specific problem behavior does not occur during a set interval (whole-interval DRO) or at the moment the interval ends (momentary DRO).

The Core Idea Behind DRO

Instead of correcting or reacting to unwanted behavior, we:

• Monitor for when the behavior is absent
• Deliver reinforcement during those successful moments

This creates a positive cycle where the child begins to associate success with rewards. Reinforcement depends only on the target behavior being absent, so whatever else the child is doing at that moment can be reinforced too.

How DRO Works in ABA Therapy

To really understandDRO, you have to see how structured it is behind the scenes. When I implement DRO in a session, there’s a clear plan guiding each step, not just spontaneous praise.

Step 1: Identify the Target Behavior

I start by clearly defining what we’re reducing. Examples include:

• Hitting
• Screaming
• Interrupting

Specificity is critical, everyone on the team needs to measure the same behavior.

Step 2: Set a Time Interval

Next, I choose an interval based on the child’s current ability. The starting interval is usually set at or slightly below the average time between occurrences in baseline, so the child can earn reinforcement early (Repp, Felce & Barton, 1991). Frequent behaviors get shorter intervals and less frequent ones get longer intervals.

The goal is to set the child up for success early on.

Step 3: Deliver Reinforcement

If the behavior does not occur during the interval:

• I immediately provide praise or a reward
• Reinforcement is meaningful and individualized

Step 4: Reset if Needed

If the behavior occurs:

• The interval resets
• No reinforcement is delivered

Consistency here is what makes DRO effective.

Step 5: Lengthen the Interval

Once the child meets the success criterion set by the BCBA, the interval is lengthened by a fixed amount, by a percentage, or based on performance in the previous session. 

Variations:

• Fixed-interval DRO: reinforcement at the end of intervals of fixed length if the behavior was absent throughout 
• Variable-interval DRO: the same, with intervals of varying length
• Momentary DRO: reinforcement if the behavior is not occurring at the moment the interval ends, whether or not it occurred earlier in the interval

Why We Use DRO in ABA

There are many behavior strategies in ABA, but DRO is often one of the first I introduce. That’s because it strikes a balance between simplicity and effectiveness.

A Positive, Non-Punitive Approach

DRO focuses on:

• Reinforcing success
• Reducing attention to negative behavior
• Creating a supportive learning environment

It avoids punishment and instead builds positive habits.

When DRO Is Most Useful

In my clinical work, I typically useDROA ABAwhen:

• A behavior happens frequently
• A replacement skill hasn’t been established yet
• We need a quick, structured intervention

Differential reinforcement is more likely to succeed when the reinforcer is chosen with the behavior’s function in mind (Vollmer & Iwata, 1992).

Backed by ABA Principles

Like all ABA strategies, DRO is grounded in behavioral science:

• Reinforced behaviors increase
• Researchers are still working out exactly why DRO reduces behavior, and studies have examined the roles of extinction and of reinforcing “other” behavior (Hangen et al., 2020). A 2018 systematic review identified 45 studies of DRO for challenging behavior in children with autism (Weston, Hodges & Davis, 2018).

More Examples of DRO in Practice

Understanding the concept is helpful, but seeing it in action is where it really clicks. These are simplified versions of cases I’ve worked on (with details changed for privacy).

Example 1: Decreasing Classroom Interruptions

The Situation

A student frequently interrupts during group instruction.

The DRO Plan

• 5-minute intervals without interrupting
• Earn tokens for each successful interval

The Outcome

The student improved in waiting their turn and participating appropriately.

Example 2: Reducing Aggression

The Situation

A child hits peers during playtime.

The DRO Plan

• Reinforce every 3 minutes of safe behavior without hitting
• Increase expectations over time

The Outcome

Aggressive behaviors decreased, and appropriate play increased.

DRO vs Other ABA Strategies

DRO doesn’t exist in isolation, it’s part of a broader set of reinforcement strategies. Understanding how it compares helps parents see when and why we use it.

The table below follows the standard definitions of the three procedures.

For a fuller side-by-side, see our guide to DRI vs DRO vs DRA.

Why I Often Start With DRO

In many cases, I begin with DRO because:

• It’s simple to implement
• It builds early success
• It doesn’t require teaching a new skill immediately

Benefits of Using DRO ABA

From both a clinical and family perspective, DRO offers several meaningful advantages. It’s one of those strategies that works well because it’s both structured and flexible.

Easy for Parents to Learn

DRO is:

• Straightforward
• Easy to explain
• Practical for daily routines

Flexible Across Settings

It can be used in:

• Homes
• Schools
• Community settings

Builds Positive Momentum

Small successes lead to:

• Increased confidence
• Better engagement

Reductions from DRO may not last on their own, so it is usually paired with teaching a replacement skill (Jessel & Ingvarsson, 2016).

Important Considerations When Using DRO

Like any intervention, DRO works best when applied thoughtfully. There are a few important factors I always keep in mind when designing a plan.

Always Understand the Function First

Before implementingDRO ABA, I conduct an assessment to understandwhythe behavior is happening.

Watch for Other Behaviors

Because we’re reinforcing the absence of one behavior, we need to ensure:

• We’re not accidentally reinforcing another undesired behavior

This is a documented risk: “other” behavior can increase during DRO (Jessel, Borrero & Becraft, 2015; Hangen et al., 2020). Teams therefore measure other behaviors, not just the target (Jessel & Ingvarsson, 2016).

Combine With Skill Building

DRO is most effective when paired with:

• Communication training
• Social skills development
• Emotional regulation strategies

How DRO Fits Into In-Home ABA Therapy

One of the most effective ways to implement DRO is in the child’s natural environment. That’s where behavior happens most authentically, and where meaningful change occurs.

Real-Life Application Matters

In-home therapy allows us to:

• Apply DRO during real routines
• Practice during actual challenges
• Reinforce meaningful behaviors

Parent Coaching Is Essential

At Blue Jay ABA, I work closely with parents to:

• Model DRO strategies
• Provide real-time feedback
• Adjust plans as needed

Learn More About In-Home ABA

If you want to better understand howdro abafits into everyday routines, check out ourin-home ABA therapy services here.

Final Thoughts on DRO ABA

DRO is one of those strategies that proves you don’t need something complicated to make a big impact. When used correctly, it creates more opportunities for children to succeed, and that’s always the goal.

Why It Works

It works because it:

• Focuses onpositive reinforcement
• Encourages success
• Builds consistency over time

My Experience as a Clinician

I’ve seenDROA ABA

• Reducechallenging behaviors
• Improve family routines
• Increase independence

When implemented consistently and paired with good clinical judgment, DRO becomes more than just a technique, it becomes a pathway to meaningful progress.

FAQs

• How is DRO different from DRA?

  DRO reinforces the absence of a behavior, while DRA reinforces a specific alternative behavior (like asking for help instead of yelling). In DRA, reinforcement for the problem behavior is withheld or minimized.

• Is DRO considered punishment?

  No. DRO is a reinforcement-based procedure: reinforcement is delivered when the target behavior is absent, and nothing aversive is added when it occurs. Because it reinforces whatever the child is doing at that moment, teams also track other behaviors.

• How long should DRO intervals be?

  It depends on the child and the behavior. The starting interval is based on baseline data, usually at or slightly below the average time between occurrences. I usually start with very short intervals to ensure success, then gradually increase the duration.

  What is the difference between whole-interval and momentary DRO?

  In whole-interval DRO, the behavior must be absent for the entire interval. In momentary DRO, the child is checked only at the end of each interval.

• Can parents use DRO at home?

  Yes, with a plan designed by a BCBA and coaching. In fact, I regularly coach parents to use dro aba strategies during daily routines. It’s one of the most practical tools for home use.

< Older Post