Using ABA to Teach Life Lessons: Discrimination Training

Written by: Tara Karen, M.S. Ed, BCBA, LBA

What is Discrimination Training in ABA?

From children learning foundational skills to adults mastering daily routines, discrimination training has wide-reaching applications that make it a cornerstone of ABA therapy. When we think about the transformative effects of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one of the most powerful tools at its core is discrimination training. This essential concept enables individuals to navigate their environments with confidence, understanding, and independence.

Understanding the Basics of Discrimination Training

Discrimination training involves teaching an individual to differentiate between different stimuli and respond appropriately to each one. In simpler terms, it teaches a person to be able to see the differences between things and choose the correct answer for what is needed.

Applications of Discrimination Training in Everyday Life

For example:

• A child learns to say “apple” when shown a picture of an apple but not when shown a banana.
• An adult learns to stop walking when the pedestrian signal turns red and proceed when it turns green.
• A basketball player learns when to pass or when to shoot the ball based on the defensive scheme they are playing against.

Discrimination Training and Developmental Delays

These scenarios may seem straightforward, but for individuals with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, or other learning differences, mastering such distinctions can be life-changing. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) often use this technique to teach skills ranging from communication to social skills to safety awareness.

Differentiating Simple vs. Conditional Discrimination

Before we can begin discrimination training, we also must determine if we are teaching a simple or a conditional discrimination. 

What is Simple Discrimination?

A simple discrimination involves teaching someone to differentiate between 2 different stimuli, which is needed for daily routines. This may include choosing between milk or juice, picking out a specific color shirt or pants, or choosing between different snacks. 

Understanding Conditional Discrimination

A conditional discrimination is more complex, and involves making a choice within a given condition or context. For example, deciding on a sweatshirt or tee-shirt based on the weather outside, saying “good morning” or “good night” depending on the time of day, or deciding on how to address certain groups of people and what topics might be of interest.

The Components of Effective Discrimination Training

Discrimination training typically involves three key components:

1. Antecedents: The specific stimuli that precede a behavior. For instance, a teacher saying, “Show me the apple.”
2. Behaviors: The individual’s response to the antecedent, such as pointing to the apple.
3. Consequences: The reinforcement or feedback following the behavior, like verbal praise (“That’s correct!”) or a tangible reward.

H2: Strategies for Successful Discrimination Training in ABA Therapy

Consistently reinforcing correct responses and providing prompts when the incorrect response may be chosen will help individuals learn to distinguish between stimuli. Once a simple discrimination with a field of 2 choices has been mastered, the teacher will than be able to fade the prompts or add more stimuli to choose from.  Many ABA providers will teach at least two targets for a goal at the same time, so that the person is able to demonstrate clear understanding of the direction given. For instance, an ABA provider may teach “clap hands” and “sit down” as one step directions, so that the learner must discriminate between the two directions and follow the correct instruction. Later, more responses are taught, and eventually a conditional discrimination may be added in, such as “Sit down if you would like more Playdough.” Here the learner must determine if they want more Playdough, and if they do they will need to sit down.

Discrimination training is widely used in special education classrooms and ABA therapy sessions to teach foundational skills like identifying colors, shapes, or objects.

ABA Discrimination Training Examples

For example:

• Scenario 1: A child with autism is learning to identify animals. The RBT presents pictures of a cat and a dog, asking, “Which one is the cat?” When the child correctly points to the cat, they receive immediate praise.
• Scenario 2: A student learning social skills might practice differentiating between a peer’s happy and upset facial expressions. Recognizing these cues allows them to respond appropriately, such as offering comfort or joining in play.

The Role of Discrimination Training in Adult Education

For adults, discrimination training can be used to teach vocational skills or daily living tasks.

Examples of Adult Discrimination Training

Consider these examples:

• Scenario 1: An adult with developmental disabilities is learning to sort mail. They’re taught to place letters in one bin and packages in another based-on size and shape.
• Scenario 2: A young adult transitioning to independent living practices identifying different cleaning supplies and their appropriate uses. For instance, they learn to use window cleaner for glass surfaces and disinfectant for countertops.

Creating a Compassionate and Effective Discrimination Training Plan

While the mechanics of discrimination training are rooted in science, its success hinges on the therapist’s ability to provide compassionate care. This means fostering a supportive and empathetic environment where the individual feels safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow. The following are key points in creating a plan for discrimination training.

1. Individualized Approach: Every person’s learning style and pace are unique. BCBAs and RBTs must tailor their methods to suit the individual’s needs and preferences.
2. Building Trust: A strong rapport between the therapist and the learner promotes engagement. This trust is crucial for individuals who may struggle with transitions or new challenges.
3. Using Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcement should be meaningful and motivating to the individual. Whether it’s verbal praise, a favorite toy, or a high-five, positive reinforcement helps maintain enthusiasm and effort.
4. Focusing on Generalization: Therapists should ensure that learned skills can be applied with different wording, different materials, different people and in real-world settings.
5. Celebrating Small Wins: Progress might be incremental, but every step forward deserves recognition. Highlighting achievements builds confidence and reinforces the joy of learning.

The Transformative Impact of Discrimination Training in ABA

The ability to differentiate between stimuli and respond appropriately is foundational for communication, safety, and independence. For individuals with learning differences, discrimination training opens doors to building meaningful relationships through better social interactions, participating more fully in vocational settings, becoming more independent in daily living routines.

Discrimination training is much more than a technique; it’s a bridge to a better quality of life. By utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA),behavior therapists, RBTs, and BCBAs can help individuals of all ages achieve their full potential. Whether teaching a child to identify colors or guiding an adult toward independent living, the impact of this work is profound and enduring.