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Training Methods and Concepts in Autism Intervention
1. Forward Chaining
This method begins with the first SD-response component in a sequence and progresses sequentially
through the remaining components.
Example: Teaching a child to brush their teeth starts with the instruction "Brush your teeth." The child
first picks up the toothbrush, turns on the cold water, rinses the toothbrush, and continues through the
steps until they finish drying their mouth and hands. Reinforcement is provided after the child
completes each target step, with ongoing support from the therapist throughout the process.
2. Discrimination Training
This involves reinforcing a target response only when the specific antecedent or SD is present, teaching
the client to distinguish between two or more SDs.
Example: A child learns to recognize their parents in photographs through prompts like "Touch mom"
or "Touch dad," responding correctly. Another example is asking questions about an apple, such as
"What is it?" "What do you do with it?" and "What color is it?"
3. Simultaneous Discrimination Training
This approach has multiple objects placed before the child, who is prompted to touch, point to, or
select the item.
- Usually takes place in a visual setting, often requiring a table or floor space.
- Utilizes both 7-step and 4-step teaching sequences (refer to initial training notes).
- Examples of SDs may include: "Touch (color)," "Give me the (object)," and "Point to the (item)."
4. Successive Discrimination Training
Here, the target and distractor items are not shown simultaneously; they are presented across
different trials.
- This method does not offer a visual field for stimuli.
- Uses a 3-step and 2-step teaching sequence (refer to initial training notes).
- Examples might be commands like "Jump" or asking the question "What is your name?" during which
the child cannot do anything else at that moment.
, 5. Expanded Trials
This method involves incrementally increasing the time between the presentation of the target SD by
gradually adding more trials of mastered targets. The sequence follows: TXdTXdTXdTXd,
TXddTXddTXddTX, TXdddTXdddTXdddTX.
Example: If the target item is "shoe" and the mastered items are "cup" and "dog," substitute "shoe"
for TX and "cup" or "dog" for d.
6. Graduate Random Rotation
This entails systematically introducing mastered items one at a time into random practice with the
target item. The pattern follows: RR1: RR TX with 1 mastered item, RR2: RR TX with 2 mastered items,
RR3: RR with 3 mastered items.
Example: For a target item "shoe," include previously mastered items like "cup," "diaper," and "dog."
7. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
A structured teaching approach where a task is isolated and taught across numerous trials. A specific
antecedent is presented, a response is expected, and a consequence follows the learner's response.
DTT is beneficial as it allows for:
- Repetition
- Clarity of expectations for the learner
- Reinforcement access
- Ease of data collection
8. Natural Environment Training (NET)
NET describes teaching procedures that leverage real-life situations and items the client interacts with
to impart relevant skills. The approach capitalizes on natural motivation and emphasizes child-directed
learning.
Examples:
1) While coloring, if the child seeks a new crayon, the therapist offers a selection and waits for the
child to request the color they want.
2) During a grocery store play activity, the therapist asks the child what food items they might need
while creating a shopping list.
Training Methods and Concepts in Autism Intervention
1. Forward Chaining
This method begins with the first SD-response component in a sequence and progresses sequentially
through the remaining components.
Example: Teaching a child to brush their teeth starts with the instruction "Brush your teeth." The child
first picks up the toothbrush, turns on the cold water, rinses the toothbrush, and continues through the
steps until they finish drying their mouth and hands. Reinforcement is provided after the child
completes each target step, with ongoing support from the therapist throughout the process.
2. Discrimination Training
This involves reinforcing a target response only when the specific antecedent or SD is present, teaching
the client to distinguish between two or more SDs.
Example: A child learns to recognize their parents in photographs through prompts like "Touch mom"
or "Touch dad," responding correctly. Another example is asking questions about an apple, such as
"What is it?" "What do you do with it?" and "What color is it?"
3. Simultaneous Discrimination Training
This approach has multiple objects placed before the child, who is prompted to touch, point to, or
select the item.
- Usually takes place in a visual setting, often requiring a table or floor space.
- Utilizes both 7-step and 4-step teaching sequences (refer to initial training notes).
- Examples of SDs may include: "Touch (color)," "Give me the (object)," and "Point to the (item)."
4. Successive Discrimination Training
Here, the target and distractor items are not shown simultaneously; they are presented across
different trials.
- This method does not offer a visual field for stimuli.
- Uses a 3-step and 2-step teaching sequence (refer to initial training notes).
- Examples might be commands like "Jump" or asking the question "What is your name?" during which
the child cannot do anything else at that moment.
, 5. Expanded Trials
This method involves incrementally increasing the time between the presentation of the target SD by
gradually adding more trials of mastered targets. The sequence follows: TXdTXdTXdTXd,
TXddTXddTXddTX, TXdddTXdddTXdddTX.
Example: If the target item is "shoe" and the mastered items are "cup" and "dog," substitute "shoe"
for TX and "cup" or "dog" for d.
6. Graduate Random Rotation
This entails systematically introducing mastered items one at a time into random practice with the
target item. The pattern follows: RR1: RR TX with 1 mastered item, RR2: RR TX with 2 mastered items,
RR3: RR with 3 mastered items.
Example: For a target item "shoe," include previously mastered items like "cup," "diaper," and "dog."
7. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
A structured teaching approach where a task is isolated and taught across numerous trials. A specific
antecedent is presented, a response is expected, and a consequence follows the learner's response.
DTT is beneficial as it allows for:
- Repetition
- Clarity of expectations for the learner
- Reinforcement access
- Ease of data collection
8. Natural Environment Training (NET)
NET describes teaching procedures that leverage real-life situations and items the client interacts with
to impart relevant skills. The approach capitalizes on natural motivation and emphasizes child-directed
learning.
Examples:
1) While coloring, if the child seeks a new crayon, the therapist offers a selection and waits for the
child to request the color they want.
2) During a grocery store play activity, the therapist asks the child what food items they might need
while creating a shopping list.
