4893 East Beltline Ave NE Suite 310 Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Discrete Trial Training in Comstock Park, MI
Discrete Trial Training
Discrete trial training (DTT) is a scientifically proven teaching method. It incorporates positive reinforcement strategies from applied behavior analysis therapy to address unique learning styles. DTT best practice teaching strategies to help individuals gain improvement of skills in different areas that can improve abilities to obtain and understand new information.
What is DTT in ABA?
The purpose of DTT during ABA therapy is to focus on five main skill areas. By breaking down training into small components in a ladder-style process, the information is more easily taught and understood. These skills are repeated over time and translate into real-world abilities. Although there are many benefits to discrete trial training during ABA therapy, improvement in these five skill areas is the main goal.
- Cognitive ability
- Communication skills
- Play
- Social
- Self-help
What are the Steps of DTT Structure?
DTT involves five distinct steps to assist in the progression toward skill development. During each step of the process, the child is given simple and clear instructions. Since each of the discrete trial training steps is broken down into smaller bites of information and then provided with repeated instruction, it is easier for the child to understand. Due to the ladder-type nature of this therapy, mastering each skill is necessary, and the information builds toward the next goal.
- Antecedent, or stimulus. This step prepares the child for the task that comes next. The direction or question is as concise and clear as possible to avoid confusion and to gain attention.
- Prompt. During this step, the teacher models the correct behavior. By clearly demonstrating what is expected, the child can learn how to respond appropriately to a question or direction.
- Child response. The stimulus is given, and the child is given an opportunity to respond. Depending on the response, which is either correct or incorrect, the lesson continues in one of two ways.
- Consequence of response. If the child gives an incorrect response, the teacher gives a neutral correction without a positive or negative reaction. In the case of a correct response, the child is given a reward of choice immediately. Rewards consist of small words of praise, prizes, or food. Many times, the teacher lets the student know in advance what the positive reward will be. Otherwise, this is something that can be learned with repeated training sessions.
- Intertrial Interval. The period of time between when one trial ends and the next begins is called the intertrial interval. The interval length varies but is typically only around five seconds to achieve continuity.
How to Find More Information
Those interested in pursuing discrete trial training as a part of applied behavioral analysis therapy can learn more by working with experienced professionals in the specialty of autism therapy. If you are located in Grand Rapids, MI, or the greater Western Michigan area, contact or call (616-279-6414) the experts at The Applied Behavioral Science Institution for more information.
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