Natural Environment Training (NET) VS Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice, Natural Environment Training (NET) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT) are two widely used instructional approaches for supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each method serves a distinct purpose and offers specific advantages across different learning contexts. Understanding how NET and DTT differ can assist parents, educators, and practitioners in selecting intervention strategies that best meet an individual child’s needs. The illustration (Fig 1.) below highlights the key similarities and distinctions between these approaches. As its name suggests, NET incorporates teaching opportunities within the learner’s everyday environments to promote meaningful skill use and generalisation, building upon skills often first acquired through more structured methods such as DTT.

Fig 1. Illustration of NET vs DTT

What is Discrete Trial Training (DTT)? 

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is an evidence-based instructional strategy within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) commonly used to support individuals with autism and other developmental needs. Teaching is delivered through brief, highly structured learning opportunities in a controlled, low-distraction setting. Qualified professionals and trained caregivers can implement DTT under appropriate supervision and ethical guidelines. Each instructional trial includes five core components (see Fig. 2).

Fig 2. 5 Key Characteristics of DTT in each instructional trial (Smith, 2001)

What is Natural Environment Training (NET)? 

Natural Environment Training (NET) is an evidence-based instructional approach within ABA that involves leveraging the learner’s everyday environment to provide meaningful language-learning opportunities, with teaching driven by the child’s interests and natural motivation (Sundberg & Partington, 1999, as cited in Mosier, 2009).

Comparing NET vs DTT

Area	Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT)	Natural Environmental Teaching (NET)
Setting	Structured and controlled teaching space	Everyday environments
Leadership	Adult-led, clearly defined task order and objectives	Child-led, based on the child’s interest
Flexibility	Highly structured	Spontaneous and natural
Delivery	Planned activities and materials (e.g., flash cards, objects, and worksheets etc.)	Teaching during daily routines and play (e.g., meal times, playground trips etc.)

Table 1. Comparison between discrete trial training (DTT) and natural environmental teaching (NET).

Which Approach to use? 

DTT is designed for teaching skills that demand accuracy, repetition, and close instructional guidance. Its structured, step-by-step format breaks tasks into manageable units, making learning clear and achievable, particularly for learners at the early stages of intervention who are developing routines and pre-requisite skills.

In contrast, NET emphasizes learning within the learner’s everyday activities and naturally occurring contexts. By embedding instruction into play, routines, and daily experiences, NET fosters meaningful engagement and promotes the generalization of skills across settings, helping them to apply what they have learned beyond structured teaching sessions.

Research indicates that both DTT and NET are effective, with each approach serving different purposes depending on the learner’s needs and stage of development. 

References: 

Mosier, Amy K. Ms., "Applied Behavior Analysis Techniques: Discrete Trial Training & Natural Environment Training" (2011). Research Papers. Paper 226. http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/gs_rp/226

Smith, T. (2001). Discrete trial training in the treatment of autism. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 16(2), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/108835760101600204