Instructional Design for Autistic Learners: Moving Beyond Discrete Trial Instruction

Behavior analysts often rely heavily on discrete trial instruction (DTI) despite its limitations for teaching complex skills. Direct Instruction (DI) is proposed as a more effective method for developing generative skills, emphasizing intentional programming for generativity and efficiency in learning. This presentation from the 2023 Michigan Autism Conference illustrates DI principles with examples from teaching autoclitic frames to autistic learners, showcasing how DI can foster skillful learning in new contexts.