What teaching method is based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and breaks skills into smaller steps?

The teaching method that's best known for breaking skills down into smaller, manageable steps is Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). This approach is founded on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and emphasizes a structured teaching environment. In DTT, each skill is taught in distinct, discrete trials, allowing for systematic data collection and assessment of progress. Each trial involves a clear instruction or prompt, a response from the learner, and immediate feedback, which reinforces learning. By segmenting skills into smaller steps, DTT effectively addresses the individual learning needs of students with autism, ensuring that they can grasp and master each component before moving on to more complex skills.

Other techniques mentioned, such as Incidental Teaching, Natural Language Acquisition, and Functional Communication Training, utilize different strategies that may not focus as specifically on the discrete, step-by-step breakdown of skills as DTT does, highlighting the unique effectiveness of Discrete Trial Teaching in this context.