What Are the Main Types of Behavioral Interventions for Autism

Last Updated on July 13, 2025 by John Hookway

Many kids with autism can get help from different behavioral interventions. Some examples are Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial Training, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, Pivotal Response Treatment, Early Start Denver Model, and Positive Behavior Support. There are also other ways like Incidental Teaching and Milieu Teaching.

Knowing about these choices helps parents and caregivers. It gives them tools to help their children do better. Research shows that learning about interventions, like Behavior Intervention In Autism, helps families feel more sure. It also lowers stress and helps families pick what works best for them.

Key Takeaways

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most studied intervention for autism. It helps kids learn to talk and get along with others.
• Discrete Trial Training (DTT) teaches skills in small steps. It uses clear routines and rewards. This makes learning easier and builds confidence.
• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) gives strong, early therapy to young kids. It helps them learn language and social skills faster.
• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) uses play and lets kids choose activities. This helps them want to learn and teaches social and talking skills.
• The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) mixes play with ABA ideas. It helps toddlers get better at talking, thinking, and daily life skills.
• Positive Behavior Support (PBS) looks at why behaviors happen. It teaches new skills with rewards instead of punishment.
• Visual supports like schedules and choice boards help kids know routines. They lower stress and help kids talk better.
• Parents and caregivers are very important in these interventions. They use these strategies at home to help kids learn in real life.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the most studied and used behavioral intervention for autism. For over 40 years, ABA has changed and now uses many flexible techniques.

These techniques can be changed to fit each child’s needs. Other interventions, like Discrete Trial Training, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, and Pivotal Response Treatment, use ABA ideas.

Top autism groups and doctors say ABA is the best treatment for autism. Many studies show ABA helps kids with autism learn to talk, learn new things, and get better at social skills.

Because ABA has so much research, families feel sure it works. This helps them make good choices about treatment.

How It Works

ABA uses science to understand and change behavior. Therapists break big skills into small steps that are easier to learn.

They use rewards to help kids do the right things and stop unwanted actions. ABA plans are made for each child by Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Some main ABA methods are:

• Using rewards and taking away rewards to shape behavior.
• Giving hints to help a child learn, then slowly removing them.
• Discrete Trial Training, which is one-on-one and structured.
• Pivotal Response Treatment, which uses play and lets the child lead.
• Early Start Denver Model, which mixes play and ABA ideas.
• Video modeling and teaching in real-life places to practice skills.

ABA uses the ABC model: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence. This helps therapists see what happens before and after a behavior. Then they can change their plans to help the child do better.

Key Features

ABA is different from other interventions because it:

• Looks at behaviors you can see and measure.
• Uses treatment plans made from data for each child.
• Focuses on rewards and stopping problems before they start.
• Teaches important skills like talking, making friends, and daily tasks.
• Uses set ways to teach, but also works in normal places.
• Needs regular data checks to see how the child is doing.
• Has trained experts, like BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians.

ABA is based on science and has a strong history of helping kids. Its ideas are used in many other therapies. ABA helps children learn skills that last a long time.

Discrete Trial Training

Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is a teaching method in Applied Behavior Analysis. DTT breaks big skills into small, easy steps.

Each step is taught by itself. This helps kids with autism learn better. The method uses clear directions, practice, and rewards. These help kids learn new things. DTT usually happens in a quiet place. This helps kids pay attention.

DTT’s main goal is to teach skills like talking, making friends, and daily tasks. Kids learn one skill at a time.

This helps them get strong at each skill before learning harder ones. DTT uses a set routine. Many kids with autism like routines.

DTT is a basic ABA method. It helps kids learn by splitting big tasks into smaller parts.

Implementation

Therapists use DTT by following clear steps. Each session has a set order. This helps kids learn more. The steps are:

1. Preparation and Planning: The therapist picks the skill to teach and gets materials ready.
2. Setting Up the Environment: The area is made quiet and neat.
3. Presenting the Instruction: The therapist gives a simple direction or question.
4. Prompting: If needed, the therapist helps the child answer.
5. Child’s Response: The child tries to do the skill.
6. Consequence: The therapist gives feedback right away. Good answers get praise or a reward. Wrong answers get gentle help or another try.
7. Inter-Trial Interval: There is a short break before the next try.
8. Data Collection: The therapist writes down how the child did. This helps track progress and change lessons if needed.

This way, kids can practice skills many times. This helps them get better and feel proud.

Strengths

Discrete Trial Training has many good points for kids with autism:

• DTT’s step-by-step way makes it easier to learn new things like talking, social, and school skills.
• Practice and quick rewards help kids remember and use skills in new places.
• The set routine helps kids feel calm and safe.
• Therapists can watch progress closely and change lessons as needed.
• Studies show DTT helps kids learn language, be more independent, and do daily tasks.
• DTT can be used with other teaching styles to help kids use skills in real life.

Research shows DTT helps kids talk and make friends. It also helps lower problem behaviors. Kids often become more sure of themselves as they learn each step. DTT’s focus on small goals makes it helpful for many families and teachers working with autism.

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is a special kind of Applied Behavior Analysis for young kids with autism. It is made for children who are 2 to 5 years old.

EIBI uses an important time in brain growth to help kids learn basic skills. The program is very intense, with 20 to 40 hours of therapy each week. Kids get one-on-one help at home or in places they know well.

Therapists make plans for each child by checking progress often. EIBI helps kids talk, make friends, do daily tasks, and handle feelings better. Parents and caregivers learn ways to help at home, so kids get the same support everywhere.

EIBI is different because it starts early, is very intense, and includes the whole family. Other ABA programs may help older kids and use fewer hours, but EIBI is for the youngest kids to help them grow as much as possible.

Key features that make EIBI different:

• Works with kids ages 2–5, using early brain growth.
• Gives 20–40 hours each week of one-on-one help.
• Happens in places the child knows, like home.
• Uses plans made just for each child, with lots of progress checks.
• Parents and caregivers help every day.
• Focuses on fast progress in talking and social skills.
• Helps kids get ready to be more independent and go to school.

Structure

EIBI programs are very organized and follow a set plan. Each child gets a plan that fits their needs and strengths.

The program usually does these things:

1. Works on main problems like social skills, talking, play, and copying others.
2. Teaches in calm, planned places with one teacher for each child.
3. Uses Discrete Trial Training and other ABA ways to teach.
4. Helps kids use new skills in many places, not just one.
5. Has families help plan and practice every day.
6. Checks progress often and changes plans if needed.
7. Uses rewards to lower problem behaviors.
8. Gives a lot of therapy, usually 20–40 hours a week, for one to four years.
9. Is watched over by trained ABA experts.

The program teaches copying, talking, playing, making friends, moving, and daily living skills. Staff get special training, and supervisors check how things are going to keep quality high.

Who Benefits

Studies show EIBI helps most young kids with autism, no matter their age, IQ, or starting skills. Kids who start EIBI before age 4 usually make the most progress, but all kids in the age group do better with EIBI’s strong plan.

Kids improve in talking, making friends, and doing daily things. They also have fewer problem behaviors.

Long-term research shows EIBI helps kids have fewer problem behaviors for a long time. Kids also get better at daily living and move to regular school more easily. Starting early, working hard, and having family help lets kids reach their best.

Pivotal Response Treatment

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is a way to help kids with autism. It is part of Applied Behavior Analysis.

PRT helps kids learn important skills by working on key areas. These areas affect many parts of a child’s growth.

PRT is different because it happens during play and daily life. Kids get to pick the toys or games they want to use. This makes them want to join in and have fun.

PRT works on motivation, social communication, and self-control. Therapists and parents use what the child likes to make learning fun.

When a child tries to talk or play, adults answer right away. Rewards are things the child wants, like a toy after asking for it. This helps kids learn to start talking, ask questions, and pay attention to more than one thing.

PRT is made for families. Parents learn how to use PRT at home. This helps kids practice skills in real life.

Key features of PRT include:

• Focus on motivation and getting kids involved
• Using activities the child picks
• Giving rewards right away that fit what the child wants
• Teaching during normal daily life
• Parents help with therapy

Core Areas

PRT works on important areas that help kids grow in many ways. These areas are:

• Motivation: Gets kids to try new things and join in.
• Initiation: Helps kids start talking or playing by themselves.
• Social Skills: Makes it easier for kids to talk and play with others.
• Self-regulation: Teaches kids to control their own actions.
• Responding to Multiple Cues: Helps kids notice and react to more than one thing.

By working on these skills, PRT helps kids get better at talking, making friends, and doing things on their own. Parents are a big part of this.

They learn how to help their child outside of therapy. Studies show kids who get PRT look at people more, talk better, and join in more.

Differences

PRT is not the same as other ABA methods. The table below shows the main differences:

PRT’s focus on motivation, choice, and real rewards helps kids use skills in many places. Kids often use what they learn at home or school. PRT can also be done online or by parents, so more families can use it.

Early Start Denver Model

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is for young children with autism. It is used for kids between 12 and 48 months old. ESDM mixes ideas from Applied Behavior Analysis with other teaching styles.

This model is special because it uses play and daily routines to teach. ESDM helps kids learn to talk, make friends, think, and do daily tasks.

The program changes to fit each child’s needs and likes. This makes learning fun and important for every child.

ESDM lets the child lead during play and activities. Therapists and parents follow the child’s choices. This keeps the child interested and wanting to learn.

Approach

ESDM uses a teaching style that feels natural. Kids learn at home or in places they know well. Therapists and parents work together to help kids learn during play and daily life.

The approach includes:

1. Teaching during normal times, like play or snack time.
2. Using rewards to help kids learn new things.
3. Letting the child’s interests guide what they do.
4. Helping the child and adult focus on the same thing.
5. Training parents to use ESDM at home, so kids practice all day.
6. Using pictures and clear steps to help kids know what to do next.

ESDM also lets brothers, sisters, and family join in. This helps kids use their new skills in many places. The program is flexible, so both parents and professionals can use it well.

Key Benefits

Studies show ESDM helps young kids with autism in many ways. Kids who get ESDM often get better at talking, thinking, and doing daily tasks.

Research says toddlers in ESDM can raise their IQ by 17 points. They also get better at language and daily living. These gains are bigger than in many other programs.

Clinical trials and reviews show these main benefits:

Brain scans show ESDM can help brain activity for social and talking skills. The program’s focus on real-life and relationships helps kids use skills every day.

ESDM is flexible, so parents, experts, and siblings can all help. This makes it a good choice for many families.

Positive Behavior Support

Positive Behavior Support, or PBS, helps kids with autism by finding out why they act a certain way. PBS does not just try to stop bad actions.

It looks for the reasons behind them. PBS uses something called a Functional Behavioral Assessment to learn why a child acts out.

A child might want attention or want to get away from a task. PBS teaches new skills and gives rewards for good choices. It does not use punishment. Instead, it uses positive reinforcement to help kids learn better ways to talk and act.

PBS plans are made for each child. Caregivers, teachers, and therapists work together on these plans. They look at what causes certain behaviors and change things to help the child feel safe.

PBS also respects each child’s needs and choices. The main goal is to help the child have a better life. PBS helps kids do well at home, in school, and in the community.

PBS helps kids with autism by using their strengths and making a caring place for them.

Strategies

PBS uses many ways to help kids learn and grow. These ways are picked for each child and what works best for them.

• Clear communication that matches how the child understands.
• Positive reinforcement, like praise or favorite things, to reward good behavior.
• Routines and visual supports to help kids know what will happen.
• Social skills training, often with role-playing and practice.
• Calm, autism-friendly spaces to lower stress and avoid too much noise.
• Breaking tasks into small steps to help kids be more independent.
• Working with experts like speech therapists and behavior analysts.
• Using data to see how things are going and change plans if needed.

A PBS plan usually follows these steps:

1. Find out why the behavior happens by collecting information.
2. Make a plan that helps stop problem behaviors before they start.
3. Teach new skills to replace unwanted actions.
4. Reward good behaviors right away.
5. Use the plan everywhere, like at home and at school.
6. Check how things are going and make changes if needed.

These ways help kids feel understood and supported. They also give families and teachers clear tools to help kids do well.

Benefits

PBS has many good things for kids with autism and their families. This way helps lower problem behaviors by teaching better ways to act and talk.

Kids learn new skills that help them at home, in school, and with friends. PBS also helps kids feel less worried by making routines clear.

Families and teachers see better relationships and daily life. Kids become more independent and sure of themselves.

PBS helps kids grow emotionally and handle their feelings. It also helps caregivers, teachers, and experts work together, which leads to better results.

PBS is special because it respects each child’s needs and wants them to do well for a long time. When families and experts work together, kids with autism can reach their best.

Behavior Intervention In Autism

A Behavior Intervention Plan, or BIP, is a step-by-step guide. It helps kids with autism handle tough behaviors.

The plan starts with a Functional Behavioral Assessment. This helps the team learn why a behavior happens. The team collects information about when and where the behavior shows up.

They look for patterns and what sets off the behavior. The BIP then explains the target behavior in detail. It tells how often it happens, how long it lasts, and how strong it is.

A good BIP gives ways to teach new skills. These new skills take the place of the unwanted behavior. The plan also has ideas to change the environment.

For example, teachers might use visual schedules or set up the classroom to help kids focus. The BIP includes rewards for good behavior and steps for handling emergencies.

The team checks the plan often and changes it if needed. This helps kids do better at home, in school, and in the community.

Antecedent-Based Interventions

Antecedent-Based Interventions, or ABI, focus on what happens before a behavior. These strategies help stop tough behaviors by changing what comes first.

The team looks for patterns using information from the FBA. They might use priming to get a child ready for something new. For example, a teacher can tell a student what will happen next to help them feel calm.

Other ABI ideas include changing the environment. Lowering noise, making spaces neat, and setting up routines can help kids feel safe. Visual schedules show kids what will happen during the day. This makes things less stressful and helps kids follow routines.

ABI works best in places like classrooms or homes. The team watches progress and changes things if needed.

Tip: Visual schedules and clear routines can help kids with autism feel safe and ready to learn.

Activity-Based Interventions

Activity-Based Interventions use daily routines to teach important skills. This way fits learning into things kids already do, like snack time or play.

The team uses natural chances and rewards during these times. For example, a child might practice asking for help while playing with blocks. Learning happens in real-life moments, so it means more.

This method helps kids use new skills in many places. Teachers and parents can add learning chances all day long.

Activity-Based Interventions help with language, social skills, and being independent. The team checks how things are going and changes the plan as the child grows.

Behavior Intervention In Autism often mixes these strategies with main therapies. Teams work together to make plans that fit each child. They use information to make choices and give the right support.

By using tools like BIPs, ABI, and activity-based interventions, families and teachers help kids reach their goals.

Visual Supports

Visual supports are very helpful for children with autism. These tools use pictures, symbols, words, or objects to show information clearly.

Many children with autism understand pictures better than spoken words. Visual supports help them follow routines and make choices. They also help kids know what will happen next.

Some common visual supports are:

• Visual Schedules: These show steps in a routine or order of activities. Kids can see what comes next and feel ready.
• First-Then Boards: These show two tasks, like “First math, then snack.” Kids know a reward or break is coming after a hard task.
• Choice Boards: These let kids pick from different options. They can point to a picture to choose a snack, toy, or activity.
• Social Stories: These are short stories with pictures about social situations. They help kids know what to do in new or hard times.
• Visual Timers: These show how much time is left for an activity. Kids can see when it is time to switch to something else.

Tip: Visual supports work best when adults use them often and keep them simple. Using them the same way each time helps kids trust and use these tools.

Teachers and parents use visual supports in many places. At home, a visual schedule can show steps for getting ready in the morning. In school, a teacher might use a first-then board to help a student move from reading to recess. Visual supports also help when kids change from one place to another.

Visual supports fit well with Behavior Intervention In Autism. These tools help kids know what is expected and stop confusion.

When kids know what will happen, they feel less worried and have fewer problem behaviors. Visual supports also help kids share what they need without talking.

Here is a table with examples of visual supports and how they are used:

Behavior Intervention In Autism often uses visual supports with other strategies. This helps meet each child’s needs. Visual supports make learning and daily life easier for many children with autism.

Other Approaches

Incidental Teaching

Incidental Teaching uses daily moments to help kids learn. This happens at home or on the playground. Adults wait for the child to show interest in something.

It could be a toy or an activity. When the child is interested, the adult asks a question or gives a hint. If the child answers, the adult gives the toy or praise as a reward.

This way helps kids learn to ask for things and answer questions. It also helps them use new words. Incidental Teaching works well because it uses what the child likes.

Kids feel more excited to learn when they pick the activity. This way also helps kids use their new skills in many places, not just in therapy.

Incidental Teaching helps kids grow in language, social skills, and independence. It fits into daily life, so learning feels easy and fun.

Milieu Teaching

Milieu Teaching is like Incidental Teaching but has more steps. Adults set up the room to make learning chances. They put toys where kids can see but not reach them. This makes kids ask for help or talk about what they want.

Adults use four main ways in Milieu Teaching:

• Modeling: The adult shows how to ask or answer.
• Mand-Model: The adult asks the child to say something, then shows the answer if needed.
• Time Delay: The adult waits before helping, giving the child time to answer.
• Incidental Teaching: The adult uses what the child likes to start learning.

Milieu Teaching helps kids get better at talking and making friends. It also helps them start conversations. It works best during play, meals, or group times. This way helps kids use words in real life.

Enhanced Milieu Teaching

Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT) mixes both Incidental and Milieu Teaching. EMT uses simple words, clear hints, and lots of practice in normal places. Adults follow the child’s lead and join in play. They use every chance to teach new words or actions.

EMT helps kids who do not talk much or are just starting to talk. Adults use modeling, expansions, and hints to help kids use longer sentences. EMT also teaches kids to take turns, look at others, and share ideas.

Many families and teachers use EMT because it fits into daily life. Kids learn to talk during meals, play, and other normal times. EMT helps kids become more independent and sure when talking to others.

These natural ways help kids with autism build strong talking and social skills. They use real-life moments, child-led play, and active help from adults to support learning and growth.

Verbal Behavior Approach

The Verbal Behavior Approach, or VBA, helps kids with autism learn to talk and communicate. This method comes from Applied Behavior Analysis.

It looks at how people use words to get what they want. Dr. B.F. Skinner first explained this idea. He said words are actions people use for different reasons. For example, people use words to ask for help or to name things.

VBA teaches language by looking at why kids use words. It does not just look at what words they say. Therapists break language into small parts called “verbal operants.” Each operant has its own job.

For example, a child might say “cookie” to ask for a snack, to name a picture, or to answer a question. The therapist teaches each skill in small steps.

Main types of verbal operants are:

• Mand: The child asks for something, like saying “juice” when thirsty.
• Tact: The child names something, like saying “dog” when seeing a dog.
• Echoic: The child repeats what someone else says, like copying “ball.”
• Intraverbal: The child answers questions or talks, like saying “blue” when asked, “What color is the sky?”

Therapists use rewards, like praise or favorite toys, to help kids learn. They practice these skills in many places, like home, school, or play.

VBA uses one-on-one teaching and play. The therapist follows what the child likes to keep them interested. Parents often help and learn how to use VBA at home. This helps kids practice talking all day.

VBA helps kids with autism use language for real reasons. They learn to ask for things, answer questions, and join in talks.

Research shows VBA can help kids speak and understand better. Kids often become more social and independent as they learn these skills.

Parents and teachers like VBA because it fits into daily life. They can use it during meals, play, or routines. This way gives kids more chances to practice and do well. VBA helps kids build strong communication skills that last.

Learning about different behavioral interventions for autism helps families choose what is best. Every child is different and has their own needs and strengths. Parents, teachers, and therapists can work together to make a good plan.

• Programs led by parents and that respect culture help kids learn important skills and take care of themselves.
• Using more than one therapy, like ABA, speech, and social skills training, helps kids grow in many ways.
• Working as a team and checking progress often helps kids do their best.

Making plans that fit each child and involve the family helps kids with autism become more independent and do better.

FAQ

What is the best behavioral intervention for autism?

There is not one best intervention for every child. Many experts say Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) works well. Research shows ABA helps many kids. Families should pick what fits their child’s needs and likes.

How early should behavioral interventions start?

Starting early helps children make the most progress. Most experts say to begin before age 4. Programs like EIBI and ESDM are for young kids. These programs help children learn important skills early.

Can parents use these interventions at home?

Yes, parents can use many of these strategies at home. Therapists often teach parents how to use PRT, visual supports, and activity-based ways. When parents practice at home, children learn faster.

Do behavioral interventions replace medication?

Behavioral interventions do not take the place of medicine. Some children need both to do their best. Doctors and therapists work together to make a good plan for each child.

Are these interventions only for young children?

Older kids and teens can also get help from these interventions. Many methods, like ABA and PBS, work for all ages. Kids can get better at talking, making friends, and being independent at any age.

How long does a child need behavioral intervention?

How long a child needs help depends on their goals and progress. Some kids need support for years. Others reach their goals sooner. Teams check progress often and change plans if needed.

What if a child does not respond to one intervention?

Kids are different and may not all respond the same way. If one way does not help, teams try something else or mix methods. Making plans just for each child helps find what works best.

Do schools provide behavioral interventions?

Many schools give behavioral support to students. Teachers and school therapists use things like visual schedules, social stories, and PBS. Parents can ask what services are at school and work with the team.