Differential reinforcement of other behaviours with a ​ token economy to reduce disruptive behaviours in a pupil with autism

Rachael Hlomador, Nicola Stanley and Imogen Lee

ABSTRACT: A differential reinforcement of other behaviours (DRO) protocol was used with an embedded token economy to reduce disruptive behaviours in an autistic pupil. The pupil engaged in high levels of disruptive behaviours, limiting their access to intensive teaching sessions. Use of the DRO combined with a token board led to a reduction in disruptive behaviours observed which allowed the pupil to reengage in intensive teaching settings.

The pupil’s targets such as identifying community signs were then able to be run more intensively allowing them to learn new signs. The reduction in disruptive behaviours also led to positive outcomes in other teaching settings, such as the pupil making improvements in their typing ability.