DDA Communication Strategies & Behavioral Support 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A support plan specifies DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior). What does this strategy reinforce?
- The target challenging behavior at a reduced rate
- Any behavior except the target challenging behavior during a specified interval (Correct answer)
- Only pre-selected replacement behaviors
- Behaviors incompatible with the challenging behavior
Correct answer: Any behavior except the target challenging behavior during a specified interval
DRO provides reinforcement when the challenging behavior does NOT occur during a specified time interval, regardless of what the person is doing.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'augmentative and alternative communication' (AAC)?
- Medications used to improve speech clarity
- Any method used to supplement or replace spoken language for individuals with communication difficulties (Correct answer)
- Behavioral techniques to increase verbal output
- Physical therapy to strengthen oral motor muscles
Correct answer: Any method used to supplement or replace spoken language for individuals with communication difficulties
AAC encompasses all forms of communication beyond speech, including picture boards, speech-generating devices, and sign language, to support or replace verbal communication.
Question 3: A client with a developmental disability appears frustrated but cannot verbally express why. What is the most appropriate response from a DDA staff member?
- Ask the client a series of yes/no questions to identify the cause (Correct answer)
- Provide space and wait for the frustration to resolve on its own
- Immediately call a supervisor
- Remove all demands until the client calms down
Correct answer: Ask the client a series of yes/no questions to identify the cause
Offering yes/no questions gives a non-verbal or limited-verbal individual a manageable way to communicate their needs without requiring complex language.
Question 4: What is the key difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?
- Negative reinforcement decreases behavior; punishment increases behavior
- Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing something unpleasant; punishment decreases behavior (Correct answer)
- Both negative reinforcement and punishment decrease behavior
- Punishment removes a pleasant stimulus; negative reinforcement adds an unpleasant one
Correct answer: Negative reinforcement increases behavior by removing something unpleasant; punishment decreases behavior
Negative reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus, while punishment (positive or negative) decreases a behavior.
Question 5: During a transition from one activity to another, a client with an intellectual disability consistently has meltdowns. Which proactive strategy would be most helpful?
- Avoid transitions by keeping the client in one activity all day
- Provide a visual or verbal warning before transitions occur (Correct answer)
- Increase the speed of transitions so they end sooner
- Apply a brief physical prompt to initiate the transition
Correct answer: Provide a visual or verbal warning before transitions occur
Visual or verbal transition warnings give individuals time to prepare mentally for a change, significantly reducing transition-related distress.
Question 6: A behavior support plan includes a 'crisis response protocol.' When should this protocol be activated?
- Whenever the client engages in any challenging behavior
- When the challenging behavior reaches a level that poses imminent risk of harm to self or others and less restrictive strategies have not been effective (Correct answer)
- At the beginning of every shift as a precaution
- Only when directed by a physician
Correct answer: When the challenging behavior reaches a level that poses imminent risk of harm to self or others and less restrictive strategies have not been effective
Crisis protocols are reserved for situations where safety is immediately at risk and when proactive and de-escalation strategies have not been sufficient.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a 'setting event' that might influence challenging behavior?
- A staff member raising their voice at the client
- A poor night's sleep that increases the client's sensitivity to frustration the next day (Correct answer)
- Withholding a preferred item as a consequence
- Praising the client for completing a task
Correct answer: A poor night's sleep that increases the client's sensitivity to frustration the next day
Setting events are distal factors (like sleep deprivation or illness) that alter the likelihood of challenging behavior when a trigger occurs, even though they are not the immediate trigger.
DDA Communication Strategies & Behavioral Support 4
A support plan specifies DRO (Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior).
What does this strategy reinforce?