Every day, we use our ability to recognize differences—like stopping at a red light, choosing between hot or cold water, or identifying safe situations. For children with autism or developmental delays, these kinds of distinctions aren’t always intuitive.
That’s where discrete trial training (DTT), a core method in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), plays an essential role.
Discrete trial training is a structured teaching strategy used to help individuals learn skills by breaking them down into small, manageable steps. It’s especially effective for teaching everything from communication and safety to social interaction and independence.
In this blog, we’ll explain what discrete trial training is, how it works in ABA therapy, and how it helps children make meaningful progress.
What Is Discrete Trial Training?
Discrete trial training is a one-on-one instructional approach that teaches specific skills using clear, structured learning opportunities. Each “trial” consists of:
- An instruction (e.g., “Touch apple”)
- A response from the child
- A consequence (such as praise or correction)
These brief teaching trials are repeated systematically, helping learners master skills through consistency and reinforcement.
For example, if a child is learning the word “apple,” the therapist might show a few pictures of fruits and say, “Touch apple.” When the child correctly identifies the apple, they receive praise or a reward. If they select the wrong item, the therapist provides guidance and repeats the instruction.
This process helps the child learn to respond accurately to different cues—a skill known as stimulus discrimination.
Key ABA Concepts Behind DTT
To understand how discrete trial training works, it’s helpful to be familiar with a few foundational ABA terms:
- Stimulus Control: When a behavior occurs more frequently in the presence of a specific cue because it has been reinforced over time.
- Discriminative Stimulus (SD): A signal that a certain behavior will be rewarded. For example, the instruction “Touch apple” is an SD that tells the child what to do.
- S-delta (SΔ): A cue that a behavior will not be reinforced. If the child points to a banana instead of an apple, they don’t receive reinforcement—helping them learn what is and isn’t correct.
How Discrete Trial Training Is Implemented in ABA
ABA therapists implement discrete trial training using a systematic teaching process:
- Present the Stimuli – Show two or more items (e.g., apple and banana).
- Give a Clear Instruction – For example, “Touch apple.”
- Prompt if Needed – Use a cue or guidance to help the child respond correctly at first.
- Reinforce the Correct Response – Provide praise, a token, or a small reward.
- Correct Errors Gently – Guide the child to the right answer and repeat the trial.
- Fade Prompts Over Time – Slowly reduce help until the child can respond independently.
Throughout the process, therapists collect data to monitor progress and make adjustments based on the child’s needs.
Common Tools and Reinforcers Used in DTT
Discrete trial training is most effective when paired with engaging materials and motivating rewards. Common tools include:
Instructional Tools:
- Flashcards or real-life objects
- Picture books and matching games
- iPads or educational apps
- Visual schedules or “first/then” boards
- Toys, blocks, or functional items to teach play and vocabulary
Motivating Reinforcers:
- Token boards or reward systems
- Verbal praise, small toys, snacks, or sensory activities
- Short music clips or videos based on the child’s preferences
These supports help keep children engaged and motivated to learn.
Challenges in Teaching Discrimination Skills (and Solutions)
Learning to discriminate between stimuli can be difficult, especially for children who:
- Overgeneralize (e.g., call all fruits “apple”)
- Become dependent on prompts
- Struggle when prompts are faded too quickly
Solutions:
- Use varied examples (e.g., show red apples, green apples, large and small apples)
- Fade prompts gradually and consistently
- Practice across different settings and people to promote generalization
Examples of Discrete Trial Training in Action
Discrete trial training is used every day in therapy sessions to build useful life skills. For example:
- Safety: Learning to stop at a red sign or walk on green
- Communication: Choosing the correct icon on a communication device
- Social Skills: Identifying when someone is happy, sad, or angry
- Daily Routines: Picking out their own clothes or identifying personal items
Each of these tasks involves responding appropriately to environmental cues—something DTT is designed to teach.
Why Discrete Trial Training Matters
Discrete trial training isn’t just a clinical tool—it’s a bridge to independence. For individuals with autism or developmental delays, DTT provides the structure, repetition, and reinforcement needed to build confidence and competence in everyday life.
At Wonderway ABA, an ABA therapy in Atlanta, we use DTT to help children:
- Communicate clearly
- Make safe and appropriate choices
- Gain independence in school, home, and community settings
- Reduce frustration by understanding what’s expected of them
Conclusion
Discrete trial training is one of the most effective and research-supported strategies in ABA therapy. It teaches critical life skills in a clear, structured, and engaging way.
If you’re a parent or caregiver curious about how DTT is being used in your child’s therapy, we’re here to help. Contact our team at Wonderway ABA in Atlanta—we’re committed to helping every child grow, learn, and thrive.