Autism Therapy: discrete trial training (DTT)

definition of discrete trial training (DTT): Training that focuses on a single cycle of a behaviorally-based instruction routine, or in other words, one round of trying a behavior.

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The Use of Intensive Behavioural Intervention for Children with Autism
Journal of Developmental Disabilities, by deRivera, C., published in 2009, summarized Nov 2, 2009

A modified intensive behavioral therapy (IBI) program has been very helpful for children with autism in a Toronto preschool system.

The Lovaas method of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy has been used since the early 1980s to help improve behaviors in children with autism. The Toronto Partnership for Autism Services made some changes to the Lovaas method in their preschool autism treatment program. The Toronto IBI uses discrete trial training to teach language skills. The Toronto IBI therapy also uses the picture exchange communication system (PECS) and teaching schedules. The authors talk about the research related to Lovaas method, IBI, PECS, and teaching schedules. They also describe some practical details about how their therapy program works with children.


Instructing Individuals to Deliver Discrete-Trials Teaching to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Thomson, K., Martin GL, Arnal L., Fazzio D., and Yu CT, published in 2009, summarized Jul 24, 2009

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.


Efficacy of Applied Behavioral Intervention in Preschool Children with Autism for Improving Cognitive, Language, and Adaptive Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Pediatrics, by Spreckley, M., and Boyd R., published in 2009, summarized Jun 24, 2009

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapies may not be better than standard care in special education for children with autism. The authors looked at 13 research studies on the effectiveness of ABA intervention. These were well run studies that used discrete trial training as part of the behavioral therapy. The studies measured cognitive, language, and adaptive behavior skills. Four of the best studies were compared to similar studies of standard care; however, there were no significant improvements between ABA therapy and the standard care.


Parent Training: Acquisition and Generalization of Discrete Trials Teaching Skills with Parents of Children with Autism
Research in Developmental Disabilities, by Crockett, JL, Fleming RK, Doepke KJ, and Stevens JS, published in 2007, summarized Jun 23, 2009

Training on behavioral therapy techniques needs to be less expensive so that more parents can be trained on interventions that help their children with autism.

The authors described how two parents successfully learned skills for teaching their 4-year-old children with autism. The parents taught attending (focusing attention), ball/toy play, and verbal imitation. Training sessions lasted 2 hours and the parent and child worked together for 6-9 sessions. Their children showed improvements in these skills and there were improvements in other skills that were not taught to parents in the training sessions. The authors believe that parent training in some skills may help parents teach other skills (generalization). The authors noted that the amount of time and cost involved in current parent training is high. Training would be more helpful if time and cost could be lowered.


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Virginia Schools Offer Free Autism Screening

Feb 12, 2009

Two Virginia school districts - Henry County and Martinsville - offer free autism screening, and provide therapy to children as young as 2 years of age. The Piedmont Regional Infant-Parent Program offers early intervention services that include picture exchange communication system (PECS) and discrete trial training. Therapists have realized that if they can start working with children as young as 2, the chances for learning are increased.

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Developing Imitation Skills for Children with Autism

Feb 11, 2009

Most of us learn new skills and behaviors by imitating others; children with autism may have difficulties with this concept. Discrete trial training, which is a form of applied behavior analysis (ABA), may be useful in teaching imitation skills. This intervention uses prompting and positive reinforcement to teach the child. This therapy can be used with gross motor skills, requesting toys or food, and ultimately with speech as the tool for communication. The goal being that the child learns to imitate without the use of prompts.

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School in Middle East Offers Discrete Trial Training and ABA for Special Needs Students

Oct 28, 2008

The Jawaan Bin Jassim Model Independent School in the Middle East is the first to bring Discrete Trial Training (DT Training or DTT) and applied behavior analysis (ABA) to students with autism. The founder of DT Training, Karl Smith, visited to the school to assist in the program launch. He explained that he created DTT to be used in conjunction with applied behavior analysis (ABA), which may be expensive and time consuming. The DT Training model helps children with autism and other developmental disabilities to work independently on skills they need. The most recent product Smith's company has released is the Activity Trainer, which uses video-modeling for the home and classroom.

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School in Canada Works to Correct Cognitive Difficulties

Sep 24, 2008

The Arrowsmith Program founded in Canada in 1978 by Barbara Arrowsmith Young, uses specific cognitive exercises as therapy for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Arrowsmith intervention is based on neuroscience rather than education. Students perform cognitive development skills for part of the day, and then focus on improving education skills. Specifically, Arrowsmith provides 1) discrete trial training intervention used in ABA, and 2) direct instruction, "which uses a sequentially structured curriculum and scripted lessons." Many of the students spend 3 years at Arrowsmith before mainstreaming.

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