ABA is a type of behavior program that can be used in school, in a therapy setting, and at home. There are a number of different kinds of ABA programs, such as discrete trial training (DTT). This is a structured method of teaching that involves breaking a lesson down into steps, providing prompts so that the child does the task, and having consequences for the child’s performance. For example, if a task is done as instructed, then a reward is given.
Other types of ABA programs include pivotal response training (PRT). This is a different approach that focuses on what motivates the child to learn. If the child chooses to play with a certain toy, then that choice can be used to teach a skill (like learning colors). PRT also involves reinforcing the child in "real" ways. If a child is learning how to tie his shoe, then the reward could be to play outside, instead of giving him candy as a reward.
Applied verbal behavior (VB) is another program, which involves helping the child gain verbal skills. The teacher breaks lessons down into small trials, gives prompts, and provides feedback to reinforce the desired behavior. The goal is to have the child use his verbal skills to communicate his needs.
