What is Discrete Trial Therapy? How does it differ from other approaches?
Discrete Trial Therapy (DTT) is an approach to behavior therapy in which opportunities for learning a skill are provided one trial at a time by presenting a stimulus (or cue) and rewarding correct responding (e.g. pointing, naming) to that stimulus. Trials are separated by inter-trial intervals during which no cues are presented and responses are either precluded or are not reinforced. DTT is useful when first beginning therapy with a child with poor attention and very limited skills, or when introducing a new, difficult task. Very few IEBT programs use DTT methods exclusively throughout all therapy. DTT is distinguished from Incidental Teaching, in which a skill is taught within typical daily activities rather than at a table or in a more isolated situation designated for therapy. Both approaches are useful at different points in therapy, depending on the child’s characteristics.
