Incorporating Choice in Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior Arrangements

For individuals with developmental disabilities who engage in problem behavior, incorporating a choice to engage in preferred activities as a part of their treatments might enhance treatment efficacy. In the current investigation, access to activity choice was used to reduce problem behaviors in two children with developmental disabilities through a differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) contingency in which the reinforcer was participant choice of the next activity. Results suggested that access to choice opportunities within the context of a DRO condition was an effective method for decreasing problem behavior and increasing engagement in nonpreferred work activities.