DTT use AAC procedures can arrange clear communication opportunities while the person's full system stays available. Define the natural reason to communicate, target meaning, acceptable response forms, response window, prompt, partner outcome, backup, and data categories. A partner may model on a separate system without authoring the person's response. Recognizable help, stop, pain, break, different, and no messages should retain their meaning throughout teaching.
Write DTT use AAC procedures around meaning
Start with a real communicative outcome rather than isolated button pressing. The BACB outline treats trial-based teaching and prompting as examination concepts. Confirm vocabulary, device position, access method, charging, partner readiness, backup, and whether the response follows a model.
Protect authorship
A partner can model language on a separate board or device, then wait. Physical selection on the person's system can blur who produced the message. Report partner models, added prompts, the person's selections, unclear guidance, and device failures separately.
Honor communication outside the target
The ASHA AAC portal supports continual access to tools or devices and partner support. The Ethics Code addresses competence, collaboration, understandable communication, consent and assent when applicable, and client involvement.
Measure the partner too
Record whether the partner responded within the defined window and delivered the actual communication outcome. A correct device selection followed by no useful response is a partner or system failure, not complete communication teaching.
A practical example
Across eight snack-choice trials, Mei makes five independently authored selections, responds after a partner model twice, and selects finished once. The partner honors all eight messages within ten seconds. Report 5/8 independent, 2/8 modeled, 1/8 finished, and 8/8 partner response.
Questions families can use
Is the message meaningful? Who touches which device? What wait time applies? Which messages are always honored? What backup works? Are partner responses measured?
Sources
- Association for Behavior Analysis International, Basic Principles in Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, BCBA Test Content Outline, 6th edition
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- LeBlanc and colleagues, Naturalistic Language Strategies for Children With Autism
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Finni resources
