Teachers, special education specialists, and parents can learn how to use discrete trial training during behavioral therapy to help children with autism.

This article reviewed 17 studies of parent and teacher applied behavior analysis (ABA) training programs. Training programs used a variety of instruction methods (written, verbal, or videotaped). Some programs used demonstration, role-playing, and practice. The authors felt that there was not enough information in the 17 studies to determine whether one training approach worked better than another. Most of the studies measured whether or not the trainee learned what he or she was supposed to learn. Very few measured whether the trainee was able to use their new skills to help people with autism. The authors emphasized a need for effective training programs to meet the high demand for therapists trained in discrete trial training.