Skip to content
the autism kit
Guide

DTT vs. NET: when should I use discrete trial training or natural environment teaching?

How each approach works, what the research says, and how to blend them in a session.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Listen to this articleAbout 1 min
Read aloud · speed
A teacher holding up picture flashcards of an apple and an egg for young students
Photo: Gustavo Fring on Pexels
The short answer

Discrete trial training (DTT) teaches skills in short, structured trials with a clear instruction, response and consequence. Natural environment teaching (NET) teaches during play and daily routines, following the learner's interests. DTT is efficient for building new skills; NET helps skills generalize and stay meaningful. Many programs blend both.

Key takeaways
  • DTT: structured trials, efficient for new skills.
  • NET: teaching in play and routines, great for generalization.
  • Research supports both, including NDBIs.
  • Most learners do best with a thoughtful blend.

How does DTT work?

Each trial has a clear instruction, the learner's response, a consequence (reinforcement or a correction), and a short pause. Trials are repeated to build fluency. DTT has a long research base in autism services.1

How does NET work?

NET teaches during activities the learner already enjoys: asking for a turn on the swing, labeling colors while painting, following steps in a snack routine. Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) are an empirically supported family of approaches built on these ideas.2

How do they compare?

DTT and NET
DTTNET
SettingTable or structured spacePlay, routines, community
Who leadsMostly the adultShared; follows the learner's interest
ReinforcersOften chosen by adultNatural to the activity
StrengthsMany learning opportunities fastMotivation and generalization
Watch forRigid, repetitive sessionsFewer planned opportunities

Both are part of the RBT 2026 training curriculum.3

How do I blend them?

Try
  • Teach a new label with DTT, then practice it in play
  • Short structured blocks between play
  • Using the learner's interests in both
  • Visual schedules so the session is predictable
Skip
  • Hours of table work without breaks
  • Ignoring signs the learner wants to stop
  • Play with no teaching plan

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

No. It's an evidence-based way to teach many skills. Concerns usually arise when it's used rigidly, for too long, or without attention to the learner's assent and interests.

Sources

  1. Smith T. Discrete trial training in the treatment of autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 2001. doi.org
  2. Schreibman L, et al. Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions: empirically validated treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2015. doi.org
  3. Behavior Analyst Certification Board: RBT 2026 40-hour training requirements and curriculum outline. bacb.com

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. It isn't legal, billing or certification advice: always check the BACB's current requirements, your state's rules and your organization's policies. How we write our guides.

Was this guide helpful?
Share this guide with someone who'd find it useful
Listen

Keep reading

All guides and stories →

One small, useful tip a week

Practical ideas built on evidence-based practices, plus a free printable to start. Unsubscribe anytime.

We never sell or share your email.