Discrete Trial Teaching and Social Skill Training: Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bathwater

Abstract

Discrete trial teaching (DTT) is a method of instruction that enables highly individualized instruction and the rapid presentation of targets in discrete units. Repetition is a fundamental aspect of DDT, and its formal structure lends itself to the presentation of many learning opportunities in a short period of time. Many learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may require repetition, and do not obtain knowledge without multiple learning trials. A variety of different skills can be successfully and efficiently taught through the use of DDT, including social skills. Behavior analytic research has investigated teaching of a number of different social skills through the use of DTT. Previously published literature includes teaching affective behavior, increasing social interactions and initiations, teaching children to offer help to others, sharing, teaching empathy skills, teaching perspective taking skills, and increasing joint attention. While all of these different skills have been taught using DTT, various procedures within discrete trial methodology were utilized, and at times DTT was applied in slightly nuanced and unique ways. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)