By Patrick Faga, MS, Creator of the FirstWork App
Tablets have become common tools in education, but their impact in special education, especially within the framework of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), deserves special attention. For many students—particularly those with autism—tablets can offer lightning-fast feedback that is both immediate and consistent. When someone taps a tablet, it registers the input in as little as 1 to 10 milliseconds, faster than the human eye can detect. That kind of speed, paired with the tablet’s reliable response, can make a world of difference for learners who depend on quick reinforcement to build new skills.
A Brief Recap of DTT/DTI
Discrete Trial Training (DTT), also known as Discrete Trial Instruction (DTI), is a highly structured teaching method often used in ABA therapy. It typically involves three main steps: a clear, concise instruction or question (the “discriminative stimulus”), the learner’s response, and an immediate consequence—either positive reinforcement for correct answers or gentle correction for errors. Because it focuses on repeated practice and immediate feedback, DTT has been particularly effective for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. However, the success of DTT hinges on providing quick and predictable responses to each learner action.
Why Faster, More Consistent Feedback Matters
Research published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis highlights the importance of minimizing the delay between a learner’s action and the educator’s response. The less time between response and consequence, the more robust the learning connection becomes. Yet in busy classrooms or therapy sessions, even well-trained professionals can experience natural variations in how quickly or consistently they deliver feedback. Human factors—like fatigue, changes in tone of voice, or distractions—can cause slight delays that might interrupt the smooth flow of reinforcement.
Tablets bypass many of these challenges. The moment a learner taps the screen, an on-screen prompt or sound can tell them right away if they’re correct or if they should try again. That instantaneous feedback helps learners form stronger associations between their response and the outcome, reinforcing correct behavior and guiding error correction more effectively.
Benefits for Learners with Autism
Many individuals with autism thrive on consistency and predictability. Knowing exactly what will happen when they touch the screen can reduce anxiety, encourage engagement, and help them persist with challenging tasks. A tablet’s consistent, automated feedback is less likely to vary because of human mood or environment, making it an invaluable tool for reinforcing positive behaviors or prompting self-correction. Over time, learners often show increased independence and confidence when they can anticipate the same quick response every time.
Generalization Through Digital Presentation
Another major advantage of digital DTT/DTI is the built-in capacity to present multiple examples or “exemplars” of a single concept. Generalization—being able to apply a skill across different settings, stimuli, or people—is a critical goal in ABA and special education. When using a tablet, it’s easy to display various images or sounds in rapid succession, exposing learners to different contexts without having to gather real-life objects or shuffle through physical flashcards. This variety helps learners transfer what they’ve mastered to the broader world, ensuring the skill doesn’t remain “locked” in a single context.
Keeping it Simple for Teachers and Therapists
Of course, the human element remains essential. Educators and therapists are still the guiding force, shaping each learner’s progress and providing the warmth, understanding, and personal connection no device can replicate. However, certain digital platforms strive to make it easier for professionals to leverage tablets in DTT/DTI. One such example is FirstWork, which offers a wide range of images and straightforward data-tracking features, streamlining session prep and progress monitoring. By automating some of the rote tasks—like collecting response times and instantly providing feedback—tools like FirstWork allow educators to focus on what really matters: helping learners succeed.
In short, tablets represent a powerful ally in delivering more immediate, consistent feedback in DTT/DTI programs. Their speed, reliability, and versatility in presenting varied content help learners, including those with autism, stay engaged and acquire skills that transfer smoothly into everyday life. When paired with thoughtful strategies and a caring educator, tablet-based DTT can turn each tap of the screen into a stepping stone toward independence and growth.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Criterion B2 for Autism Spectrum Disorder lists “insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or non-verbal behavior”—underscoring a clinical preference for predictable, consistent environments.
Goris, J., Brass, M., Cambier, C., Delplanque, J., Wiersema, J. R., & Braem, S. (2020). The relation between preference for predictability and autistic traits. Autism Research, 13(7), 1144-1154.PubMed
This empirical study found that higher autistic-trait scores correlate with stronger preferences for predictable music, images, and reward schedules, providing experimental evidence for a drive toward predictability.
About the Author
Patrick Faga, MS, is a behavior scientist and technologist. Patrick obtained his masters in Behavior and Decision science from the University of Pennsylvania. He has experience as an ABA technician, working directly with learners on the spectrum. Patrick’s passion is applying science based principles into technology systems to create new avenues for learning and skill development.