- Training strategy in the natural environment (NET)
Writer: Hannah Andreasen M.Ed BCBA
translation: a. Lujain Bin Jadid
Training strategy in the natural environment (NET), It can also be called natural education, It is a method of teaching that stems from the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The training strategy in the natural environment focuses on giving the child more initiative with the activities and materials available in the natural environment in which the child is present on a daily basis with different people and circumstances.
Others may think that the method of training in the natural environment is the same as when playing with a child. However, it is considered an evidence-based teaching method and can be used to train a child in communication and social skills.
What is the Natural Environment Training (NET) strategy?
The natural environment training strategy works by training the child in skills in the natural and familiar environment, where he is trained based on the individual needs and daily activities that require the child to perform.
The Natural Environment Training (NET) strategy lacks structure, unlike Discrete Trial Training (DTT), which is a strategy used to teach new skills, as training involves breaking down a complex skill into partial skills that are presented to the child repeatedly, several times, called a “trial.”
Where does Training in the Natural Environment (NET) occur?
Training in the natural environment can take place anywhere, whether at home, at school, or in the community. But it is important that the training takes place in the environment that is familiar to the child.
A certified behavior analyst will determine the child’s daily routine and schedule when and where training will take place in the natural environment, A certified behavior analyst may go to a child’s home to provide in-home applied behavior analysis services.
Forms of using training in the natural environment (NET)
The training is applied in the natural environment by a certified behavior analyst during an applied behavior analysis session. He organizes and implements the session freely by specifying the target behavior to be trained.
There are three types when using training methods in the natural environment: Of which:
Pivotal response training (PRT)
Pivotal response training (PRT) uses positive reinforcement to encourage a child to learn new skills.
The Pivotal Response Training strategy focuses on four of the “pivotal” areas of child development: Of which:
- Stimulus
- Child self-education
- self management
- Responding to multiple signals
For example, The certified behavior analyst teaches the child colors during the session so that the child prefers playing with cars. Where the certified behavior analyst can play with the child with cars of all colors, The goal here is to create an opportunity to learn different colors.
Incidental Teaching
Incidental learning can be used with children ages 2 to 9 to improve communication skills and help children acquire and generalize the skill to different environments, times, and situations. And different situations from the training environment.
The incidental learning strategy can also be used to develop the child’s linguistic skills when speaking with others.
When using incidental teaching during the session, the certified behavior analyst asks the child some questions about his favorite toy that he plays with, At the same time, the child will have the enthusiasm and motivation to have a conversation about it. He or she may also temporarily restrict access to the toy to encourage the child to respond.
Natural Language Model (NLP)
The natural language model is often used with non-verbal children. The natural language model relies on pre-arranging the environment to encourage the child to communicate verbally.
Example, The specialist teaches the child to say goodbye “bye” before leaving using a natural language model where the child can leave when he says “bye” after implementing the teaching and assistance procedures.
The reward system in the natural language model is based on the child leaving rather than material/tangible reinforcers.
Benefits of the Natural Environment Training (NET) strategy
The strategy of training in the natural environment has many benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families in particular.
The child’s motives and desires
The child’s motivations, desires and interests are included in the daily routine when using the training strategy in the natural environment through an applied behavior analysis session. The certified behavior analyst intervenes through play, but the activities are chosen and managed by the child. The child is then rewarded and reinforced in a way that meets his interests by the certified behavior analyst and the parents.
Child participation
The training strategy in the natural environment is based on the child being more involved during training. Due to the presence of the child’s interests and preferences.
The discrete-trial training strategy can be stressful for children due to repetition during the session.
Fewer behavioral problems
Since the child has fun while doing his favorite activities, Behavioral problems may be less likely to develop.
Lower level of indoctrination
The training strategy in the natural environment is based on creating learning opportunities, The CBA may reduce the level of indoctrination during the session because the child is more exposed to the stimuli in the natural training environment.
Generalized skills
The training strategy in the natural environment is based on better generalization of mastered skills in other environments and situations for the child and the child’s continuity in generalizing the newly acquired skills. In contrast, learning only takes place in centers that serve children with autism spectrum disorder.
Intensify the session
Parents, caregivers, siblings, and teachers can participate when using the training strategy in the natural environment. Training can take place on a daily basis and not just during an applied behavior analysis session.
Effectiveness of training in the natural environment (NET)
It is a scientific practice based on evidence and research, Its effectiveness has been studied and reviewed by scientists.
Conclusion
Natural environment training is an educational approach that meets the individual needs of children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. It is used with other strategies in the field of applied behavior analysis.
The natural environment training strategy allows children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders to participate in their favorite activities and provides educational opportunities to learn new skills.
The training strategy in the natural environment is not limited to the certified behavior analyst only. Parents and other caregivers can also participate while training the child in the natural environment.
Reference:
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) in ABA | Autism Resources (songbirdcare.com)
