In the world of applied behavior analysis (ABA), there are many ways to teach an individual a certain skill. Typically, you may hear or see your child’s BCBA/RBT teach a skill using Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). DTT is a structured ABA intervention individualizing and simplifying instructions to enhance children’s learning. When implementing DTT, it is generally highly structured in nature, with a one-on-one approach to help break down a complex task into small increments. DTT is presented to learners by presenting tasks/instructions so there is a clear beginning and end, which in all makes tasks discrete. When expanding your child’s learning to generalize into multiple environments, natural environment teaching (NET) is the way to go!  

Natural environment teaching (NET) is an evidence-based intervention that utilizes the principles of ABA to teach your child in the natural environment aka “the real world”. Unlike DTT, NET allows the instructor to contrive instructions based on the learner’s motivationwhich is carried out in a modified, natural environment. Environments that qualify as “natural” include homes (child’s room, living room, kitchen), stores, parks, etc. There are multiple advantages to implementing NET. Some of the advantages include: authentic reinforcers and consequences; relying on natural and functional stimuli; family members and peers becoming more active in NET training. Another great feature of NET is not only providers have to implement the intervention; you, the parent/friend, can do this at home! Below is an example of how NET is taught in generalized, natural environment 

* Coloring with markers and a coloring book is the example we will use today* 

  • Set up the environment to be able to contrive an instruction from the learner  
  • We can accomplish this by first cleansing the environment: closing additional toy boxes and distractors and putting them out of reach but still present in the environment. 
  • Placing the coloring book and markers in front of the learner and instructor. 
  • Make sure the red marker is in both individual’s reach, allowing the instructor to have control and have access to materials in order to contrive instruction. 
  • When a child gravitates to his/her favorite coloring book and markers, they reach for the red marker. In this case, the instructor/parent is able to contrive an instruction by prompting the child to request for the red marker by asking “What do you want? or “What color do you want?”. NET allows the red marker to be the reinforcer versus providing another item.  

Teaching NET in generalized environments isn’t the easiest thing to tackle but don’t get discouraged. Always remember to make it fun, actively participate with your child’s BCBA to help create goals and stay up to date with what you’re targeting 

Female teacher sitting at a table with two preschool or kindergarten aged children. They are all painting.

Blue Bird Day fosters socialization, sensory regulation, and pre-academic learning in children ages 2-7 years in therapeutic rotations that simulate  preschool and kindergarten settings. Our compassionate therapists practice a relationship-based and family-centered approach, provide parent training, and collaborate on goals and individualized intensive treatment plans for your child.

We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy. A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, developmental therapists, behavioral therapists, physical therapists, and therapeutic assistants are created for each child to ensure child and family are fully supported and the best possible results are achieved.  

Options for individualized, group and virtual therapy sessions are available as well. 

Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here! 

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!