What is Natural Environment Teaching (NET) in ABA Therapy?
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a teaching method used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that involves delivering instruction within the child’s typical daily environments, such as their home, school, or community.
Unlike more structured teaching methods, NET takes advantage of naturally occurring situations to build meaningful skills in real-world settings. NET is especially effective for children with autism because it focuses on motivation and relevance.
The goal is to teach functional skills that are immediately useful, using the child’s interests to create learning opportunities. The Natural Environment Teaching approach can support critical areas of development for children with autism, including:
- Communication
- Social skills
- Self-care
- Play skills
- Other adaptive behaviors.
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Examples of Natural Environment Teaching in ABA Therapy
Example 1: Teaching Language Skills During Play
A Behavior Technician might teach a child to request a toy during playtime instead of at a table. If the child wants bubbles, the Behavior Technician pauses before blowing them and prompts the child to say, “bubbles.”
Example 2: Practicing Life Skills During a Meal
Rather than rehearsing meal-related tasks in a clinic, the Behavior Technician might coach the child in setting the table at home, prompting the child to ask, “Where is the fork?” or “Can I help?”
Example 3: Building Social Skills in Community Settings
A Behavior Technician may support a child in greeting a neighbor while walking outside, helping generalize social behaviors to real-life interactions instead of just rehearsing greetings in sessions.
NET is often used alongside other ABA methods like Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to ensure children gain both foundational and generalized skills. The combination allows for structured learning and natural application.
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FAQs About Natural Environment Teaching in ABA Therapy
What is the difference between Natural Environment Teaching and Discrete Trial Training?
While both are ABA strategies, Discrete Trial Training (DTT) involves structured, repeated practice in a controlled setting. NET occurs in the child’s natural environments and focuses on spontaneous, functional learning. NET typically uses a child’s natural motivation, while DTT may rely more on external reinforcement.
Why is Natural Environment Teaching important in ABA?
NET helps children generalize skills beyond structured sessions, which is a key goal in ABA therapy. When children learn in their natural environments, they are more likely to use those skills in real life. It also increases motivation by incorporating preferred items and interests into learning.
Who provides NET in ABA therapy?
NET is typically provided by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Parents and caregivers are often involved as well, helping extend NET strategies into daily routines.
What skills can be taught using Natural Environment Teaching?
NET is commonly used to teach communication, self-help, social interaction, and play skills. Because it occurs in natural settings, it’s ideal for teaching real-life behaviors like asking for help, sharing, and following multi-step instructions.
Is Natural Environment Teaching evidence-based?
Yes. NET is a form of naturalistic teaching strategy supported by research. It aligns with principles of ABA and is recommended for early intervention programs for children with autism.
Key Takeaways About Natural Environment Teaching
- NET is a play based and child-led ABA strategy that occurs in natural settings and situations.
- It supports skill generalization and uses the child’s interests to guide instruction.
- NET is commonly used to teach communication, social, play, and adaptive behaviors.
- It complements more structured methods like DTT.
- NET is evidence-based and widely supported in autism therapy.
