Introduction

If you’re researching autism services in Georgia, you’ve likely come across the question:
“What are the two types of ABA?”

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is not a single rigid method. It’s a science-based approach to understanding and improving behavior. Within ABA therapy, however, there are two primary teaching approaches that families and professionals commonly refer to:

1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
   
   
2. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

Both approaches are evidence-based, and both are commonly used in high-quality ABA programs across Georgia. The difference lies in how skills are taught, not what is being taught.

Let’s explore both in detail.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a scientific approach that applies principles of learning and behavior to increase helpful skills and reduce behaviors that interfere with development.

ABA is recognized as evidence-based by organizations such as:

• The CDC
  
  
• The American Psychological Association
  
  
• The U.S. Surgeon General

Programs are overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Now, let’s break down the two primary teaching styles within ABA.

1. Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

What Is DTT?

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a structured, step-by-step teaching method.

It breaks skills into small, teachable components and uses repetition, prompting, and reinforcement to build mastery.

Each “trial” includes:

1. Instruction (e.g., “Touch red.”)
   
   
2. Child’s response
   
   
3. Consequence (reinforcement or correction)

This format is repeated multiple times to build accuracy and fluency.

What Does DTT Look Like?

In sessions across Georgia, DTT often looks like:

• A child sitting at a table with a therapist
  
  
• Structured prompts and clear instructions
  
  
• Immediate reinforcement (praise, tokens, preferred items)
  
  
• Data recorded after each trial

It is systematic and measurable.

When Is DTT Most Helpful?

DTT is especially effective for:

• Teaching early language skills
  
  
• Matching and sorting
  
  
• Labeling objects
  
  
• Following simple instructions
  
  
• Academic readiness skills
  
  
• Reducing skill deficits in a structured way

We’ve seen toddlers in Georgia who struggled with imitation begin consistently copying actions within weeks of DTT-based intervention.

Its strength lies in precision.

Case Example: Structured Learning Success

A 4-year-old child in Georgia with limited receptive language began DTT targeting basic instructions like “clap,” “stand up,” and “touch nose.”

Initially, the child responded correctly 20% of the time.

After 6 weeks of DTT sessions:

• Accuracy increased to 85%
  
  
• Prompt dependence decreased
  
  
• Independent responses increased

Data confirmed measurable progress.

2. Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

What Is NET?

Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a play-based, child-led approach.

Instead of sitting at a table, learning occurs during:

• Playtime
  
  
• Snack routines
  
  
• Outdoor activities
  
  
• Daily interactions

Skills are embedded into natural contexts.

What Does NET Look Like?

In Georgia ABA programs, NET often looks like:

• A therapist on the floor during play
  
  
• Following the child’s interests
  
  
• Prompting communication during real activities
  
  
• Reinforcing naturally (e.g., giving a toy after requesting it)

For example:

If a child wants bubbles, the therapist may prompt, “Say ‘bubbles’” before blowing them.

Learning feels organic.

When Is NET Most Helpful?

NET is particularly effective for:

• Generalizing language
  
  
• Building spontaneous communication
  
  
• Expanding play skills
  
  
• Teaching social interaction
  
  
• Increasing motivation

We’ve seen children who mastered requesting during DTT begin using those same words spontaneously during NET sessions.

NET builds real-world application.

Case Example: Generalization Through Play

A 3-year-old in Georgia learned to request “ball” during structured DTT sessions.

However, she did not use the word during play at home.

When therapy shifted to NET:

• The therapist prompted requests during backyard play.
  
  
• Parents were coached to reinforce naturally.

Within a month, spontaneous requests increased significantly across settings.

This illustrates how NET supports generalization.

Comparing the Two Types of ABA

Feature: Structure

Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Highly structured

Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Flexible and child-led

‍

Feature: Setting

Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Often table-based

Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Play-based

‍

Feature: Reinforcement

Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Planned and immediate

Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Naturally occurring

‍

Feature: Best For

Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Building new foundational skills

Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Generalization and spontaneous use

‍

Feature: Data Collection

Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Trial-by-trial

Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Ongoing observation

Most high-quality programs use both approaches together.

Do Programs Choose Only One?

No.

Modern ABA programs in Georgia integrate DTT and NET based on:

• Child’s developmental level
  
  
• Learning style
  
  
• Treatment goals
  
  
• Skill acquisition stage

For example:

• Early learning: DTT may introduce new vocabulary.
  
  
• Later stages: NET ensures those words are used naturally.

We rarely see programs that rely exclusively on one method.

Integration is key.

Why Both Types Matter

DTT provides:

• Structure
  
  
• Repetition
  
  
• Mastery

NET provides:

• Real-life application
  
  
• Flexibility
  
  
• Motivation

Without DTT, foundational skills may develop slowly.

Without NET, skills may not generalize.

We’ve seen the strongest progress when both approaches are balanced.

Are These the Only Two Types of ABA?

While DTT and NET are the two most commonly referenced teaching approaches, ABA also includes:

• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
  
  
• Functional Communication Training (FCT)
  
  
• Verbal Behavior Therapy
  
  
• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

However, DTT and NET form the core teaching frameworks in many programs.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

“DTT is robotic.”

Modern DTT is dynamic, positive, and reinforcement-based, not rigid or punitive.

“NET is just play.”

NET is structured teaching embedded within play, it is intentional and data-driven.

“One is better than the other.”

Effectiveness depends on the child’s needs, not the label of the approach.

What We’ve Observed in Georgia

Across ABA programs in Georgia, we’ve observed:

• Toddlers benefit from DTT for early communication.
  
  
• Preschoolers benefit from NET for social play.
  
  
• School-aged children require both for academic and social growth.
  
  
• Parent coaching enhances NET generalization at home.

Programs that thoughtfully blend both methods tend to produce steady, measurable outcomes.

Conclusion

The two primary types of ABA teaching approaches, Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET), each serve an important role in helping children with autism build meaningful skills. DTT provides structure and repetition to establish foundational learning, while NET ensures those skills transfer into real-life situations. For families in Georgia, understanding the distinction between these approaches can offer clarity and confidence when evaluating ABA services. The most effective programs typically integrate both methods, adapting strategies based on the child’s needs and developmental stage. When guided by qualified professionals and supported by data-driven decision-making, combining structured teaching with natural play-based learning can create steady, measurable progress that supports long-term independence and growth.

At Milestone Achievements, we integrate both Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) to provide balanced, individualized ABA therapy programs in Georgia. Our expert team of BCBAs and RBTs design evidence-based interventions that combine structured learning with natural play, ensuring skills are both mastered and generalized. 

Discover how we can help your child achieve meaningful milestones. Contact us today!

SOURCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/index.html

https://www.bacb.com

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED595333.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrete_trial_training

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-11201-013