"ABA" isn't one single technique — it's a broad scientific framework that includes several different teaching methods. Two of the most commonly discussed are naturalistic teaching and discrete trial training. Understanding the difference helps you have a more informed conversation with your BCBA about what's actually happening in your child's sessions.
What Discrete Trial Training (DTT) Is
Discrete Trial Training is a structured, adult-directed teaching method broken into clear, repeated "trials." Each trial follows a consistent pattern: the therapist presents a clear instruction or question, the child responds (or doesn't), and the therapist provides immediate feedback — reinforcement for a correct or approximated response, or a prompt and another opportunity if not. Trials are typically repeated multiple times in a row, often at a table or in a defined space, to build a specific skill through repetition.
DTT tends to work well for teaching discrete, clearly definable skills — like identifying colors, matching objects, or building foundational attending and imitation skills — particularly for children who are just beginning to learn how to learn in a structured teaching interaction.
What Naturalistic Teaching Is
Naturalistic teaching (sometimes called Natural Environment Teaching, or NET) embeds the same core ABA principles — reinforcement, prompting, shaping — into a child's ordinary play and daily activities, rather than a structured table-top format. Instead of repeated trials in a defined space, the therapist follows the child's interest and motivation in the moment: if a child reaches for a toy, that becomes a teaching opportunity to practice requesting; if a child is playing with blocks, that becomes an opportunity to practice following directions or taking turns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Discrete Trial Training | Naturalistic Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Highly structured, repeated trials | Embedded in play and daily activity |
| Who leads | Adult-directed | Follows the child's interest and motivation |
| Best suited for | Discrete, foundational skills; early learners | Spontaneous communication, generalization |
| Setting | Often table-based or a defined space | Natural environment — home, play, daily routines |
| Motivation source | External reinforcement tied to correct responses | Intrinsic motivation from the activity itself |
Neither Approach Is "The Right One" Universally
This is a genuinely common misconception — that naturalistic teaching is automatically better, or that DTT is outdated. In practice, a skilled BCBA uses both approaches, often within the same treatment plan, choosing the method that fits the specific skill being taught and the specific child's learning style at that point in time. A child might benefit from some structured DTT to build a brand-new foundational skill, then shift toward naturalistic practice to help that skill generalize into everyday use.
Why the Field Has Shifted Toward More Naturalistic Approaches
That said, it's true that the field of ABA overall has shifted significantly toward naturalistic, play-based methods over the past couple of decades, driven partly by research showing stronger generalization outcomes and partly by legitimate concerns (discussed in our article on ABA myths and controversies) about heavily adult-directed, repetitive-drill approaches feeling less respectful of a child's autonomy and interests.
What to Ask Your Provider
It's reasonable to ask your BCBA directly: What mix of naturalistic and structured teaching does my child's plan use, and why? How do you decide when to shift the balance as my child progresses? A thoughtful answer — grounded in your specific child's needs rather than a fixed house philosophy — is a good sign of individualized, quality care.
Our Approach in Ada and Across Michigan
Our BCBA, Kimberly Blazer, selects the teaching approach for each Ada-area child individually, based on their assessment and ongoing progress data — not a one-size-fits-all house method. If you're in the Ada area, our in-home ABA therapy in Ada page has more on our approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one approach used exclusively, or do they get combined?
Most quality ABA programs combine both, shifting the balance as a child's skills and needs change over time.
Will my child's sessions look more like DTT or naturalistic teaching?
This depends entirely on your child's current goals and learning profile — ask your BCBA to explain the specific mix planned for your child.
Is DTT outdated or harmful?
No — DTT remains a legitimate, evidence-supported method for certain skills and certain learners. The field's shift toward naturalistic methods reflects an expanded toolkit, not a rejection of DTT entirely.
Can the approach change as my child gets older?
Yes — treatment plans should evolve, and the balance between structured and naturalistic teaching often shifts as a child's skills develop.
References
- Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) — research on naturalistic teaching and generalization
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) — treatment methodology standards