Discrete Trial Training vs. Naturalistic Teaching: Which is Best?

If you’ve ever observed an ABA session, you may have noticed two very different styles of teaching. Sometimes a therapist is sitting at a table using flashcards and structured steps. Other times, they’re on the floor, playing with toys and following your child’s lead.

Both are intentional, both are evidence based, and both are essential.

At Essential Speech and ABA Therapy, we often get asked: Which is better—Discrete Trial Training or Naturalistic Teaching? Here’s our answer: They’re both powerful tools, and the magic happens when they’re used together.

What Is Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured teaching method that breaks down skills into small, manageable steps. It’s highly controlled and follows a clear pattern: instruction, response, and feedback (reinforcement or correction).

Example: A child is learning to identify colors. The therapist shows a red card and says, “Touch red.” If the child touches red, they’re immediately reinforced. If not, the therapist prompts and tries again.

Why it works:

• Clear expectations and repetition

• Highly effective for early learners

• Great for teaching new or complex skills

• Helps build strong foundational behaviors

DTT is like practicing scales when learning to play the piano. It’s structured, focused, and builds the precision that many children need early in therapy.

What Is Naturalistic Teaching?

Natural Environment Teaching (NET), or naturalistic teaching, uses the child’s interests and surroundings to teach new skills. It often looks like play, but every moment is intentional.

Example: A child reaches for a toy truck. Instead of handing it over, the therapist pauses and says, “Say truck.” When the child attempts to say it, they’re praised and given the toy.

Why it works:

• Follows the child’s motivation

• Builds language and social skills in real-world contexts

• Encourages generalization across settings

• Feels fun, not forced

NET is like learning to play music by playing your favorite songs. It’s engaging, natural, and connected to real-life situations.

Why We Use Both

Here’s the truth: there is no “better” method. There is only what works best for your child, at this moment, for this skill. At Essential Speech and ABA Therapy, we believe strongly in blending both DTT and NET into every treatment plan.

Some skills, like matching, labeling, or following multi-step instructions, are best introduced using DTT for clarity and repetition. Other skills, like conversation, social turn-taking, and emotional regulation, are more naturally developed during play, routines, or group activities.

We will always follow your child’s lead, not just in play, but in how they learn best. Our team carefully observes how your child responds to each teaching method and tailors the session accordingly. It’s never just one way. We’re flexible, creative, and always adapting.

Our Commitment to Your Child

Your child deserves therapy that is personalized, responsive, and balanced. That’s why our team of BCBAs and RBTs blend both structured and natural learning opportunities to create the most meaningful progress.

Whether we’re building early communication with flashcards or practicing conversation during pretend play, our goal is always the same: To help your child learn in ways that are effective, engaging, and empowering.

Because ABA isn’t about choosing a method. It’s about choosing what’s best for your child, every single time.