Verbal Behavior Intervention: Commonly shortened to VBI, works by teaching children with autism to communicate through the use of requests referred to as “mands.” Through “errorless learning,” VBI works by using immediate, repetitive prompts to help your child respond appropriately. VBI is useful for children with autism because it helps them develop communication and language skills by connecting words with their meanings. VBI is not limited to learning to speak. In addition, VBI is an effective means of learning broader communication skills, including self awareness, appropriate expression of emotions, advocating for oneself, and obtaining wants and needs.

Pivotal Response Training: PRT, uses play-based therapy to guide your child. PRT works toward improvement in many areas, including social, behavioral, learning, and communication skills. Through natural motivation, PRT places the focus on responses to cues, self-management, initiating social interaction, and motivation to develop communication and language skills, improve upon positive social behaviors, and curb disruptive “stimming” behaviors.

Natural Environment Teaching: Also called NET, is a loosely structured session that is designed with your child’s individual needs and personality in mind. Following your child’s lead in a realistic environment, NET is centered around your child’s own motivation.

Discrete Trial Training: Often abbreviated to DTT, gives your child precise steps to redirect or change behaviors. DTT begins with instruction from the behavioral technician, which is met with a response from the child. The behavioral technician responds with redirection or a positive response. DTT is a straightforward, structured, understandable approach, and it is proven beneficial and effective for children with autism.