Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a highly structured teaching approach used in ABA to help children learn foundational skills by breaking them into small, manageable components. Each teaching opportunity—called a “trial”—follows a predictable sequence: an instruction, the child’s response, and a consequence (such as praise or access to a preferred item).

DTT is especially effective for teaching early learning skills such as imitation, matching, labeling objects, or following simple directions. The structured nature of DTT provides clarity and repetition, allowing children to practice new skills many times in a short period.

Although DTT is highly structured, modern ABA integrates it with more naturalistic approaches to ensure children generalize skills beyond the therapy setting.

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• A therapist holds up a picture and asks, “What is this?” The child says “car,” receives praise, and the trial ends.
  
• A child is asked to “touch head,” performs the action, and earns a small reward.
  
• Teaching colors by repeatedly presenting cards and reinforcing correct responses.

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DTT helps children rapidly acquire new skills through clear expectations, repetition, and consistent reinforcement. It is especially useful for early learners or for skills that require step-by-step mastery.

While DTT is powerful for initial learning, it is typically paired with natural environment teaching to help children use skills in real-life situations.

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