Efficacy of DRA in Reducing the Frequency of Hitting Behavior in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Case Study

Abstract

In the present study Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior was implemented to reduce the hitting behavior of a child under Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism not only leads to delays and issues in communication and socialization but also causes many behavioral challenges.  It is common for a child under ASD to engage in aggressive behaviors towards themselves and others while expressing emotions. One such commonly observed behavior is Hitting. In the present study, the problem of hitting behavior was put on extinction on occurrence. Positive reinforcement was used for the alternative behavior of calling others instead of hitting. The DRA procedure along with positive reinforcement showed constant decrease in the frequency of target behavior.