
What is discrete trial training? Is discrete-trial training different from applied behavior analysis (ABA)?
There is a lot of confusion between the term discrete trial training (DTT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA); So when people talk about applied behavior analysis programs for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, In fact, they refer to discrete trial training (DTT).
Discrete trial training (DTT), It is one of the strategies used in teaching that falls under the umbrella of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Here, the difference between the term applied behavior analysis and discrete training will be clarified.
Applied Behavior Analysis applies the behavioral approach, which is an approach that works to bring about changes that fall within the individual’s behavioral actions. Therefore, behavior consists of three steps that refer to:
- Antecedent
- Behavior
- Consequence
For example, In the case of hunger, this condition can be indicated in the precedents (Antecedent), When an individual eats something, we refer to the act of eating as behavior, and then feeling full is referred to as consequences. Enjoying the positive result of the behavior has a role in increasing the probability of the behavior occurring in the future, which is that every time the individual feels hungry, he will go to eat!
It is possible to apply the principles of applied behavior analysis beyond their application to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, especially when we apply interventions to bring about positive changes in the individual’s behavior. like, good study habits, It is also used to help individuals with behavioral problems such as drug addiction.
In reality, Most parents may use some form of applied behavior analysis (ABA) on a daily basis. For example, parents may resort to activating “TIME OUT” when hitting behavior appears. They may also put the child’s favorite movies on after he finishes his schoolwork as a reward for the child.
Therefore, rewards and consequences can make behavior more or less likely to occur again in the future. This relationship between antecedents, behavior and outcomes is what the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach is all about.
How does discrete trial training (DTT) differ from applied behavior analysis (ABA)?
Discrete-trial training is a structured strategy that falls within the strategies of applied behavior analysis. It systematically breaks down skills into small “discrete” components, The trainer teaches these skills one by one. Where the specialist uses material or social reinforcements for the behavior required to be performed by the individual, including candy or some small toys.
An example of how to apply discrete trial training
A trainer or specialist can teach colors to the child, starting with teaching the color red. The specialist begins by asking the child to point to the color red, and then the specialist rewards this behavior by pointing to the color red. After that, the specialist will move on to teaching the yellow color alone. And also to enhance that skill, Then the specialist will ask about both colors, After the child learns the colors required of him, the specialist will teach the child to say the name of each color.
Discrete trial training is one of the most effective strategies for teaching skills to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The Discrete Trials Training (DTT) strategy is considered… It is one of the first interventions developed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and there is a lot of research to support it.
Are there other effective applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in addition to the discrete trial training (DTT) strategy?
Yes, There are many effective early intervention methods for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder that are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), Including the Early Intervention Denver Model (ESDM), and pivotal response training (PRT).
Pivotal response training (PRT) focuses on what motivates the child, as the material is delivered in a more natural and less structured manner. For example: While the child is enjoying playing with the red and blue cars, the child may be asked to: Pointing to the red car and then giving him the red car when he points to it correctly.
When training in the Early Intervention Denver Model (ESDM), Training also takes place in the natural environment, but here the child may learn more than one skill at a time. For example, When teaching the color red, the trainer may teach the child the skill of taking turns and other social skills.
All applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies include these three steps, considering that the instructions (antecedents), The child’s response (behavior), Reward and reinforce the child (outcomes), The difference then comes mainly in the types of rewards used and whether the coach works on using highly structured strategies or a play or training approach is used in the natural environment.
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