- There are several types of ABA therapy, each offering unique benefits depending on the child’s needs.
- Techniques such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Training (NET), and Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) are commonly used to target specific skills.
- ABA therapy helps children with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills while reducing problem behaviors.
This success is largely driven by the customized nature of ABA, which allows therapists to use a variety of methods tailored to the specific needs of each child. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of ABA therapy and how each one can benefit your child.
What Are the Different Types of ABA Therapy?
There are various types of ABA therapy that are used to address different learning goals, from communication and social skills to behavioral regulation and independent living. Each method is grounded in the principles of behaviorism, but they vary in how the teaching is delivered and the setting in which it occurs.
The following are the different types of ABA therapy:
1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Discrete Trial Training is one of the most structured and widely used methods in ABA therapy. It breaks down skills into smaller, manageable steps and uses a repetitive approach to teach each step. DTT is highly structured and typically takes place in one-on-one therapy sessions, often in a controlled environment.
DTT follows a clear sequence:
1. Cue
The therapist gives an instruction or prompt.
2. Response
The child responds to the prompt.
3. Reinforcement
The therapist provides positive reinforcement if the child responds correctly or attempts the behavior.
One of the strengths of DTT is its ability to teach a wide range of skills in a short amount of time. For example, a therapist may use DTT to teach a child how to recognize colors, complete puzzles, or practice appropriate social responses.
2. Natural Environment Training (NET)
Unlike DTT, Natural Environment Training (NET) focuses on teaching in natural settings, such as at home, in the community, or in the classroom. The goal is to help children generalize the skills they learn in therapy to real-world situations. In NET, teaching happens in the child’s everyday environment, using materials that are naturally present in that setting.
For example, if the goal is to improve communication, a therapist may use playtime as an opportunity to teach the child to ask for toys. This makes learning more meaningful for the child because it happens in a context that is relevant to their life.
The following are the key benefits of using Natural Environment Training (NET):
- Enhances the child’s ability to use skills in real-world settings.
- Provides a more naturalistic approach that appeals to children’s interests.
- Promotes generalization, or the ability to apply skills learned in therapy to different contexts.
3. Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT)
Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) is a method within ABA that specifically focuses on teaching communication skills. Based on B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior, VBT teaches children how to use words and other forms of communication to get their needs met. It doesn’t just focus on speech but also on the functional use of language, such as requesting, labeling, and making comments.
In VBT, the therapist might prompt the child to say a word or phrase that will get them what they want. For instance, if the child wants a cookie, the therapist may encourage them to say “cookie” or use a picture exchange communication system (PECS) to request the item.
The benefits of Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT) include:
- Helps nonverbal children or children with limited communication skills.
- Focuses on functional language that can be immediately applied to everyday situations.
- Enhances social interactions through effective communication.
4. Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
Pivotal Response Training is an approach that targets critical areas of development, such as motivation, response to multiple cues, and self-regulation. PRT is child-directed, meaning that the therapist follows the child’s interests and uses them as a means to promote learning. PRT is particularly effective for teaching social and communication skills by using reinforcement for spontaneous, appropriate behaviors.
The main idea behind PRT is that by targeting pivotal areas of development, improvements will be generalized across a wide range of behaviors. For example, if a child learns to request a toy appropriately, they are more likely to use that skill in different contexts and with different people.
The key benefits of Pivotal Response Training (PRT) include:
- Providing motivation for the child which can make learning more engaging.
- Targeting multiple skills simultaneously for broad improvement.
- Enhancing social skills and reducing problem behaviors.
5. Incidental Teaching
Incidental teaching is a more naturalistic approach within ABA that takes place in everyday settings. The therapist uses naturally occurring opportunities to teach skills during regular activities, such as playing or mealtime. Unlike more structured techniques like DTT, incidental teaching relies on the child’s own interests to guide the learning process.
For example, if a child is playing with blocks, the therapist might create an opportunity to teach a new skill, like requesting a specific color block. The child is encouraged to use language or gestures to express their needs, making the learning process more engaging and meaningful.
The benefits of Incidental Teaching include:
- Promoting learning in natural, everyday settings.
- Increasing the child’s ability to generalize skills to real-life situations.
- Focusing on the child’s interests to make learning more enjoyable.
How Do You Choose the Right Type of ABA Therapy?
Selecting the right type of ABA therapy depends on the specific needs and goals of the child. Factors such as the child’s age, developmental level, and specific challenges can all influence the choice of therapy. For example, DTT might be best suited for children who are beginning to learn basic skills, while NET could be more appropriate for those who need to generalize behaviors to real-world contexts.
Parents should work closely with a trained ABA therapist or consultant to assess their child’s needs and develop a treatment plan that incorporates the most appropriate techniques. A well-rounded approach often combines several different types of ABA therapy to maximize the benefits and achieve the desired outcomes.
Ready to Start ABA Therapy for Your Child?
If you’re looking for ABA therapy in Georgia, Nebraska, Maryland, or Virginia, Amaze ABA is here to provide personalized, effective solutions for your child. Our team of experienced therapists offers a variety of ABA therapy techniques tailored to your child’s needs, including Discrete Trial Training, Natural Environment Training, Verbal Behavior Therapy, and more.
Whether you’re seeking in-home therapy, center-based sessions, or a combination of both, we are dedicated to helping your child develop critical skills that improve their quality of life. Contact us today to learn how the types of ABA therapy we offer can support your child’s development and well-being.