What is Discrete Trial Training?

      Discrete Trial Training, or DTT, has been used quite effectively for decades now to meet the developmental and educational needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental delays. DTT is rooted in the practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which applies the science of Behaviorism, where knowledge is acquired by environmental responses to environmental stimuli. It is a structured ABA technique, which as an intervention strategy, is highly structured and breaks down skills into smaller instructional steps (Luiselli, 2008). High rates of reinforcement, a series of modeling, prompts, fading prompts, and error correction greatly contribute to successful results for many young children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental delays.

      DTT is a specific type of instruction directed by the teacher that simplifies the one-on-one educational interactions, individualizes the instruction, and provides an environment free from distractions. DTT is based on the work of Dr. Ivar Lovaas, and has a highly structured method of presenting short instructional units and breaking them down into smaller, teachable parts (Luiselli, 2008). Each learning trial is short, presenting many learning opportunities. “The key to teaching using this method is breaking down skills into component parts, teaching each component intensively and systematically (using prompts when and where necessary), and consistently using reinforcement procedures to increase the likelihood of the student learning the skill” (Autism Community, 2011, para. 2).  

 

Autism Community. (2011, March 24). What is discrete trial teaching? Retrieved from

http://www.autism-community.com/what-is-discrete-trial-teaching/

Luiselli, J. K. (2008). Effective practices for children with autism: Educational and behavior

support interventions that work. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.