Every child learns in their own unique way. That is why ABA therapy uses a variety of teaching strategies to help children build skills, increase independence, and reach meaningful goals. Two of the most common approaches are Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET).
While they may look very different, both have the same goal: helping your child learn in a way that feels successful and motivating.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured, step-by-step approach to teaching. Skills are broken down into small, manageable parts, and each step is taught one at a time with clear instructions and repetition.
A DTT session might look like this:
The therapist gives an instruction, such as “Touch your nose.”
The child responds.
The therapist provides feedback, like praise or a small reward, for the correct response.
This repetition helps children learn specific skills, such as matching, labeling, or following directions, in a predictable and consistent way.
Why It Works:
Builds strong foundational skills.
Creates clear expectations and structure.
Helps children succeed through repetition and consistency.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) takes learning outside of structured trials and brings it into everyday situations. Instead of sitting at a table, the child learns through play, movement, and natural interactions.
For example, if a child enjoys playing with bubbles, the therapist might use that activity to teach language, turn-taking, or requesting.
Child: Reaches for bubbles.
Therapist: Waits for communication.
Child: Says “bubbles!”
Therapist: Smiles, praises, and reinforces with the bubbles.
Why It Works:
Feels natural and fun for the child.
Encourages generalization across settings and people.
Builds motivation by connecting learning to real-life experiences.
At LittleWins, we use both approaches because each offers something valuable. DTT helps build the foundation — those early, structured skills that require repetition and clarity. NET helps children apply those skills in daily life, in ways that feel meaningful and joyful.
Together, they create balance: structure when it is needed and freedom when it is helpful.
We believe learning should feel safe, supportive, and fun. Whether we are teaching at the table or during play, every session is guided by your child’s unique interests and strengths.
Our goal is not just for children to learn new skills, but to use them confidently in the world around them.