Rewarding Better Behaviors

Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior (DRA) for Clearer, Safer Communication

DRA teaches learners to replace challenging behaviors with more appropriate skills that meet the same need—for example, asking for a break instead of eloping or signing “all done” instead of hitting. By reinforcing the alternative behavior immediately and consistently, BCBAs, special-education teachers, and parents reduce problem behaviors while building functional communication and independence.

Why use DRA?

• Significant, research-based drops in challenging behavior. Studies show DRA interventions can cut aggression, self-injury, and elopement by 60–90 % when the alternative skill is reinforced every time it occurs.
• Functional communication that lasts. Because the alternative behavior delivers the same outcome (attention, escape, tangible), learners choose it over the unsafe behavior—even when reinforcement is later thinned.
• Positive, relationship-building approach. Focusing on what learners should do, rather than punishing what they shouldn’t, strengthens trust and increases willingness to participate in instruction.