Discrete Trial Training

Discrete trial training (DTT) is a method of teaching individuals with disabilities. It involves making learning very simple. This is done by teaching only one skill or a component of a skill at a time. For example, a therapist might teach a child with autism to point to a triangle or square. Teaching is also made simple by removing distractions and using simple standard instructions, positive reinforcement of correct responses, and prompting when errors are made or the child makes no response.

DTT usually involves data collection on every trial and graphing of data to help make accurate decisions about whether a task has been mastered or whether teaching should continue and whether teaching strategies should be modified. Usually, DTT involves massed practice of many trials ...