What is DTT in ABA Therapy?

Discrete trial training (DTT) is a strategy for teaching new skills used in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. It helps children with autism learn communication, language, self-help, and socialization in an undemanding and comfortable way. At Flywheel Centers, a chain of state-of-the-art ABA therapy centers, we are dedicated to helping children with autism enhance their independence and reach their full potential. 

Discrete Trial Training in ABA

Discrete trial training in applied behavior analysis (ABA), is a structured teaching method that breaks down skills into small, “discrete” components. Breaking skills into discrete trials teaches each step individually, allowing children to focus on each part and master it fully. This step by step method makes it easier for caregivers and therapists to keep track of a child’s progress and enables them to create individualized lessons based on the child’s abilities.  

History of DTT

In the 1970s, Dr Ivar Lovaas developed DTT, intending to break down ABA activities into their fundamental components and teach these skills through repetition. By presenting information and skills in this predictable and consistent manner, DTT is effective in helping children learn new behaviors. However, DTT has somewhat of a rocky past. 

DTT in ABA therapy initially faced criticism due to its use of aversive reinforcement methods. However, today DTT has evolved and uses positive reinforcement techniques that have been found to have favorable results in treating children with autism. 

DTT has also met with criticism because of concerns that this style of teaching would have children doing things by rote, out of habit. There were concerns that children would perform a task but not understand what they were doing or why they were doing it.  It was viewed as a mind-numbing process. To tackle this, modern approaches to DTT hone in on incorporating strategies that stimulate full comprehension of the new skill being taught. 

By addressing the criticism DTT has faced and finding solutions, DTT remains an invaluable tool in ABA therapy.

Core Components of DTT

Note for Designer: This would be an optimal place to insert either a video showing the three blocks of DTT in real life or an infographic clarifying the stages of DTT. 

DTT in ABA has three foundational building blocks that help structure its teaching process. These components include the antecedent, behavior, and consequence (ABC).

1. Antecedent: This refers to the instructions given to the child where the desired behavior is communicated. In ABA therapy, the antecedent is carefully curated to elicit the correct response or behavior from the child. The therapist might guide the child to the behavior with an instruction or question. For example, the therapist might say “Please wash your hands” to prompt the child to wash his hands. The therapist can also ask the child “Can you pass me the book?” guiding the child to do so.
2. Behavior: The behavior is the response from the child to the antecedent. For instance, if the child was asked to identify a specific shape between an assortment of shapes and he succeeds. This is where the therapist can monitor the child’s skills and abilities.
3. Consequence: When the learner correctly responds to the antecedent, a positive consequence is provided. This can be in the form of praise, receiving a prize, or getting to perform a desired activity. This reinforcement helps the child understand the connection between antecedent, behavior, and consequence, making the learning process smoother. 

The Effectiveness of DTT in ABA

Research studies have proven the effectiveness of discrete trial training in ABA, time and time again. 

A study published in the NCBI found that individuals with autism who received ABA therapy that utilized DTT demonstrated statistically significant improvement in target behaviors. 

There was a two year study done on developmentally delayed children, evaluating the effectiveness of DTT. In year one, each child received DTT in three 10-15 minute intervals, each day at school. In the second year, these children received DTT in one 30-45 minute interval each day at school. All participants that took part in this two year study acquired new skills faster in year two, suggesting that one long session of DTT proves to be very effective and constructive. 

Implementing DTT into ABA Therapy

When implementing discrete trial training into ABA therapy, five strategies help ensure a session’s success. 

• Structural Clarity

The DTT structure establishes a predictable and consistent framework for learning. As the child becomes accustomed to the pattern, they will learn the technique, and training sessions will become more effective. 

• Improved Concentration

 DTT helps children become more focused and attentive. The positive reinforcement at the end of a session is a great incentive for the child to pay attention the entire training. 

• Flexible Model

 DTT sessions can take place anywhere- at home, school, or outdoors. A caretaker can take advantage of every situation in any setting, to use as a DTT session. It is important to remember that DTT is an intentional learning tool and requires advanced planning.

• Interactive Learning

 DTT provides an interactive learning environment that allows for smoother transitions between different skills. The transition from home to school can be difficult for children with autism. This teaching technique teaches children the idea of working with adults to learn new skills. When the pattern is used consistently it will transfer from the clinic to home to school. 

• Simple to Complex

DTT breaks down difficult learning into more manageable parts. Children can learn in a way that isn’t intimidating and overwhelming. After successful attempts, children will feel excited and confident to learn more. 

DTT Reinforcement Techniques: 

All children need a push when it comes to learning. With positive reinforcement, they will be more driven to acquire new skills. Here are two helpful forms of reinforcement.

• Social: When teaching DTT it is vital to give social reinforcement. This can include verbal praise, like, “Great job!”, “Nice work!”, or even a high five or any form of acknowledgment. 
• Tangible: Tangible reinforcers, like toys, games, or treats are also great ways to motivate and reward children. 

When a child doesn’t respond correctly, the therapist can offer an informational “No” or wait a few seconds to give the child the space to get it right and then give the cue again. 

Challenges and Limitations of DTT 

While DTT has many benefits and advantages, it’s important to be aware of its challenges and limitations.

• Limited generalization: DTT sessions are most often done in a controlled environment, which may not allow the training to transfer into real life, day to day situations. 
• Repetitive nature: For some learners, the repetitive nature of DTT can be very boring. This might lead to the child losing a bit of the motivation to learn.
• Reliance on reinforcement: Because of the emphasis placed on positive reinforcement, there is little focus on intrinsic motivation to learn new skills.

Therapists use the following approaches in conjunction with DTT, to optimize its effectiveness and address the challenges above.

• Natural Environment Teaching (NET): The therapist will slowly introduce DTT skills in a more natural setting. NET will often take place during playtime or routine activities. Using DTT and NET together, allows therapists to address a broad range of developmental areas. This more holistic approach is integral to supporting comprehensive development.
• Making the sessions exciting: Therapists can integrate games and activities to pique the child’s interest. This way they’ll be excited to attain and learn new skills.

Develop intrinsic motivation: By making the actual learning enjoyable, the child will be motivated through the learning itself and not just by the positive reinforcement afterward. 

What is Discrete Trial Training (DTT) Used For?

DTT guides individuals with autism in their day-to-day lives. Whether it’s basic, daily living skills or more complex social skills, breaking each down into smaller parts can make it all more manageable. Discrete trial training examples cover a wide range of skills, including the following:

• Communication Skills: When it comes to conversing, DTT helps people with autism develop language skills, pronounce words clearly, and learn appropriate body language too. Speaking in full sentences might appear daunting at first to a child with autism, but DTT breaks it down so that they first learn to simply imitate words, and slowly advance. 
• Improving Social Interactions: As humans, we are all social creatures and the need to communicate is universal; DTT breaks down social skills into small steps so that those with autism can feel confident to chat. DTT can teach children how to take turns speaking, make eye contact, and respond suitably. With consistent practice, autistic children can feel poised to interact with those around them.
•  Daily Living Skills: Through DTT teachings, individuals with autism can be taught to dress themselves, eat independently, follow instructions, and do just about anything. Breaking down big tasks into small steps can help children with autism gain independence and the ability to tackle any chore. 
• Academic Skills: DTT can effectively target educational areas, like math, reading, and writing. For example, in DTT, children can practice counting items, identifying different letters, or performing simple sentence construction activities. This structured and simplistic approach to learning enhances the academic skills of children with autism. 

Coping Skills: Children with autism need to learn coping techniques so that they can deal with overwhelming or stressful situations. With DTT, children learn to identify their feelings and implement constructive responses. They might learn breathing techniques or simply the right way to ask for assistance.

The Impact of DTT in ABA Therapy

Discrete Trial Training is an essential part of ABA therapy that helps those with autism gain important life skills. By implementing the principles of ABA therapy and providing a systematic approach, DTT has proven to be a highly effective method for those with autism. DTT is all about breaking down skills down into ‘discrete’ parts, fostering positive behavior. 

Know Someone Who DTT can Benefit?

At Flywheel Centers, we understand the importance of DTT in ABA therapy. We design individualized treatment plans utilizing evidence based methods, including DTT. We are focused on using the most up-to-date methods to help children with autism gain foundational skills, independence, and communication abilities. Reach out to us today to learn more about our individualized learning approach to ABA therapy.