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Lovaas DTT is structured and adult-directed; PRT is child-led and naturalistic. Both are ABA-based and can be OAP-funded. Ontario guide to choosing between them.
Direct answer
Lovaas/Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is structured, table-based, and adult-directed. It can help teach specific skills. PRT (Pivotal Response Training) is naturalistic, child-led, and play-based. It targets motivation and self-management. Both are ABA-based approaches and may be funded when part of an approved ABA plan.
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Lovaas/DTT (Discrete Trial Training): Style is structured, adult-directed, table-based. Method: clear stimulus → response → reinforcement loop; mass trials of one skill at a time. Best for specific discrete skills - colours, letters, matching, early imitation, requesting. Evidence: Lovaas 1987 (early study; replication has been mixed); Cochrane 2018 EIBI review (low certainty). Skills may require explicit generalization training to transfer to natural settings.
PRT (Pivotal Response Training): Style is naturalistic, child-led, play-based. Method: targets "pivotal" areas (motivation, self-management, initiation, responsiveness to cues) that drive broad skill growth. Best for communication, social motivation, flexibility, skill use in natural settings. Evidence: listed as an "Established" intervention by the National Standards Project; randomized trials show gains in social communication. Requires skilled implementation. Skills transfer to natural settings more readily - a core design feature.
Both approaches have research support, but they have been studied in different ways. The Lovaas 1987 study - which reported that nearly half of treated children achieved normal educational and intellectual function - is an early study of intensive ABA. Subsequent replication has been mixed. A 2018 Cochrane review rated the evidence for intensive early ABA as low quality, while the National Standards Project lists comprehensive behavioural treatment as an "Established" intervention.
PRT research, largely from the Koegel Autism Center at UC Santa Barbara, consistently shows gains in spontaneous communication, social initiations, and motivation. PRT is designed to promote more generalized improvements, with learning built into daily routines in the natural environment.
One way to combine them: DTT for specific skill acquisition and PRT (or other naturalistic ABA methods) for communication, motivation, and generalization.
What ABA approaches do you use? A good answer names both structured and naturalistic methods and explains how they are blended. What percentage of sessions are table-based versus naturalistic? The ratio should reflect your child's current goals and learning style.
How do you measure progress and adjust the program? Data collection and regular program reviews are core features of quality ABA. Will my family receive parent training? Parent training in PRT and naturalistic ABA is itself evidence-based and extends therapy to daily routines.
What are the supervising BCBA's credentials? Verify at bacb.com/verify-certification. PRT certification (offered in five levels by the Koegels' PRT Certification Program) is an additional credential some BCBAs hold.
| Approach | Existing comparison | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lovaas/DTT | Lovaas/DTT (Discrete Trial Training): Style is structured, adult-directed, table-based. Method: clear stimulus → response → reinforcement loop; mass trials of one skill at a time. Best for specific discrete skills - colours, letters, matching, early imitation, requesting. Evidence: Lovaas 1987 (early study; replication has been mixed); Cochrane 2018 EIBI review (low certainty). Skills may require explicit generalization training to transfer to natural settings. | Lovaas 1987 |
| PRT (Pivotal Response Training) | PRT (Pivotal Response Training): Style is naturalistic, child-led, play-based. Method: targets "pivotal" areas (motivation, self-management, initiation, responsiveness to cues) that drive broad skill growth. Best for communication, social motivation, flexibility, skill use in natural settings. Evidence: listed as an "Established" intervention by the National Standards Project; randomized trials show gains in social communication. Requires skilled implementation. Skills transfer to natural settings more readily - a core design feature. | Koegel Autism Center |
| Source | What it supports | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Lovaas 1987 | Foundational study of intensive early ABA - IQ and language outcomes | 2026-04-29 |
| Koegel Autism Center | UC Santa Barbara - PRT research and certification | 2026-04-29 |
| BACB | Behavior Analyst Certification Board - provider verification | 2026-04-29 |
| Cochrane (Reichow et al., 2018) | Early intensive behavioural intervention may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with autism (low certainty of evidence) | 2026-04-29 |
Lovaas therapy - also called Discrete Trial Training (DTT) - is a highly structured, adult-directed ABA approach. Sessions are table-based with a clear stimulus → response → reinforcement loop. It was established by Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas at UCLA, whose 1987 study reported significant IQ gains and less restrictive school placements. It is best for teaching specific discrete skills: colours, letters, matching, early language, imitation.
PRT (Pivotal Response Training) is a naturalistic, child-led, play-based ABA approach developed at the Koegel Autism Center at UC Santa Barbara. It targets "pivotal" developmental areas - motivation, self-management, responsiveness to multiple cues, and initiation - that, when improved, produce broad gains across many other skills. Sessions look more like guided play than structured table work.
Both approaches have solid research support, with different strengths. Lovaas/DTT has a long research history, though a 2018 Cochrane review rated the evidence for intensive early ABA as low quality. PRT is listed as an "Established" intervention by the National Standards Project, and randomized trials show gains in social communication.
Both approaches are ABA-based and may be funded when they are part of an approved OAP Core Clinical Services ABA plan. When interviewing providers, ask: "Do you use a blended approach? What percentage of your sessions are DTT versus naturalistic ABA?" A provider who only delivers one rigid approach may not be offering best-practice programming. Most evidence supports a blend that adapts to the child's learning style and goals.
Lovaas/DTT and PRT may be funded when they are part of an approved OAP Core Clinical Services ABA plan. When your child receives OAP Core Clinical funding, the program design is determined by the supervising clinician with the family.
Lovaas 1987
Foundational study of intensive early ABA - IQ and language outcomes
Koegel Autism Center
UC Santa Barbara - PRT research and certification
BACB
Behavior Analyst Certification Board - provider verification
Cochrane (Reichow et al., 2018)
Early intensive behavioural intervention may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with autism (low certainty of evidence)
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Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: April 29, 2026.
How much does ABA therapy cost in Ontario?
Private ABA fees in Ontario vary by provider, credentials, setting and intensity. Ask for a complete written quote. OAP Core Clinical Services may fund eligible services after a funding invitation ($6,600–$65,000/year).
Source: Ontario Autism Program: guidelines for core clinical services and supports · Open source record
How many hours of ABA therapy does a child need?
There is no single right number of hours. A Cochrane review (Reichow et al., 2018) found EIBI may improve adaptive behaviour and communication, with low-certainty evidence. Intensity should follow an individual assessment.
Source: Reichow et al., Cochrane 2018 (PMID 29742275) · Open source record
What is the difference between BCBA and RBT?
A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) holds a master's degree and provides clinical supervision, program design, and oversight. An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) delivers direct hands-on therapy under BCBA supervision. Both are essential roles in delivering effective ABA therapy programs in Ontario.
Source: BACB Certification Standards · Open source record
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