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Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a behaviorally-based training technique that is based upon the principles of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) method. It is one of the most important instructional trainings for children diagnosed with autism, because of its ability to simplify and individualize instruction to improve a child’s learning capacity. The method is educationally based, and is aimed at improving a child’s speech, imitation, and cognitive skills.
Discrete Trial Training involves a series of distinct, repeated lessons or trials that are taught to a child in a one-on-one setting by a trained therapist. For children diagnosed with autism, the training is useful in its ability to teach new forms of behavior, such as speech and motor skills, and to help children recognize appropriate responses to different questions and requests. Each trial consists of 1.) An Antecedent, or a request for an individual to perform an action, 2.) A Behavior, or a response from the individual, and 3.) A Consequence, or a reaction from the therapist, which is based upon the response of the individual.
Throughout the training process, children are rewarded for appropriate responses, and these rewards are positive reinforcers, encouraging children to repeat the response in the future. It is generally recommended that children are involved in the training for 40 hours a week. Due to financial issues, families may choose to provide fewer hours for their children. This is okay, and a child is likely to benefit despite being provided with fewer hours, but research has not yet validated the effectiveness of the behavioral treatment at fewer than the 40 hour/week regimen. A regional center may provide funding for a certain number of hours for children under the age of three, but the school district is the primary agency for providing this intervention.
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