One of the common misconceptions of ABA therapy is that it is done at a table using methods such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT) which involves mass trialing and occurs in a structured environment with minimal distractions. In today’s world however, Natural Environment Teaching is one of the more commonly used methods to teach behavior skills.  The reality is that as ABA continues to evolve, so does the implementation of ABA principles and teaching styles used.

What is ReggioABA?

AB Spectrum provides a one of a kind Reggio Emilia based Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy clinic to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities who display severe behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, pica, property destruction, elopement) that poses a risk of harm to self, others, or the environment. ReggioABA Therapy Curriculum utilizes Natural Environment Teaching (NET). NET is a scientifically proven teaching method which allows ABA practitioners to incorporate the learner’s natural environment into the teaching, development, and generalization of skills. Teaching is incorporated into play activities using familiar toys, games, and materials to maximize the learner’s motivation to continue the activity. 

Examples of NET

An example of NET might include a learner’s favorite toys, such as animal figurines. The Behavior Technician (BT) can target the skill development of learning prepositions by engaging in play with the child and giving natural instructions using prepositions, i.e., ‘Let’s put this tiger next to the lion!’ When the child demonstrates the correct understanding of ‘next to,’ the BT might provide social praise. Or, the BT may make the lion and tiger roar, which is both naturally reinforcing and fun for the child. This increases the likelihood the child will demonstrate another correct understanding when the BT uses ‘next to’ in the future.  

Summarizing Natural Environment Teaching

NET allows learning to be natural and even fun for the learner. In the best NET segments, the child doesn’t even realize that they are learning or being taught a specific skill; it occurs naturally. Your Clinical Team is a great resource to help identify NET opportunities in your home and  ensure that your child continues to develop skills across their natural environments.