Implementation of a Parent-Mediated Discrete Trial Teaching Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

For young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early intensive intervention is imperative. The Bridge Skill Development Program is a parent-mediated intervention designed to “bridge the gap” during the period after a diagnosis of ASD while children wait for intensive intervention. This program introduces applied behavior analysis (ABA) teaching techniques, including the use of parent-mediated discrete trial teaching (DTT), to promote skill acquisition of target behaviors. Significant improvements were observed across four target behaviors taught to all participants. The program also aims to connect participants to intensive ABA programming.