Special Learning FAQs

Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors (DRI) is the reinforcement of behaviors which are incompatible with problem or inappropriate behaviors that are behaviors which the child cannot be doing simultaneously.

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is an intensive treatment program used to help children with developmental disabilities such as Autism. DTT involves training a child with Autism a variety of skills that they may not pick up on their own. DTT programs usually start by training essential pre-learning skills such as sitting and looking at the teacher; social skills such as looking at other people, talking and interacting with others appropriately. Once the basic skills have been mastered, DTT works towards teaching higher-level skills.

A discrete trial is a single cycle of a behaviorally-based instruction routine. A particular trial may be repeated several times in succession, several times a day, over several days – or even longer – until the skill is mastered.

Yes. Most, if not all, children with autism can be potty trained.

The first thing to do is to assess your child’s readiness for potty training. With autism, the normal rule of 18 months as the best time to introduce the training process does not strictly apply.

Grooming is a form of physical contact that children affected by autism tend to resist.