What IS DTT?

What is Discrete trial teaching?

Discrete trial teaching (DTT) is a form of teaching that gives a child an opportunity to perform a skill, after being given instruction, with help from a therapist. After the child does the skill, they may be given praise (e.g., “great job!”), a favourite item, or something they view as valuable. Giving the child praise or their favourite item after they have done a skill may make the child more likely to do that skill more often going forward. Help from the therapist is slowly removed over time so that the child can do the skill on their own. Examples of skills that can be taught using DTT are:

• Toileting 

• Morning, Bedtime, or School Routines

• Following Instructions 

• Responding to Others 

• Playing Appropriately