Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured, evidence-based teaching method used within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to help children with autism develop complex skills. This technique breaks down learning into small, manageable units or steps, allowing children to build independence through repetition and clear guidance.

A typical discrete trial consists of five specific phases:

1. Discriminative Stimulus: The therapist provides a clear instruction, such as asking a child to identify a specific object.
2. Prompt: If necessary, the therapist offers a hint or guidance (like a verbal cue or physical help) to assist the child.
3. Response: The child performs a behavior or action in response to the instruction.
4. Consequence: The child receives immediate feedback. Correct responses are rewarded with positive reinforcement, such as praise, tokens, or favorite items, while incorrect responses receive gentle correction.
5. Inter-trial Interval: A brief pause of 5-10 seconds occurs between trials to allow the child to reset their focus.

At Little Achievers ABA, BCBA-led teams use DTT to teach a variety of skills, including communication, social interaction, and daily living tasks. The process is highly personalized, using functional behavior assessments to tailor trials to each child’s needs and systematically fading prompts over time to ensure the child can perform skills independently.