Discrimination Training ABA and Skill Development
Learning involves noticing differences. A child learns that a red cup is different from a blue cup. They learn that “sit down” means something different than “stand up.” In Applied Behavior Analysis, this process has a specific name.
Discrimination training ABA refers to teaching an individual to respond differently to different stimuli. It helps children learn when a behavior is appropriate and when it is not, based on cues in the environment.
Understanding discrimination training ABA is important because it supports language development, academic skills, social understanding, and daily functioning.
This article explains what discrimination training ABA is, how it works, what research supports it, and how it is used in therapy.
What Is Discrimination Training ABA?
The term discrimination training ABA describes a structured teaching process in which a learner is reinforced for responding correctly to a specific stimulus and not reinforced for responding to other stimuli.
In simple terms:
- One cue signals reinforcement.
- Another cue signals no reinforcement.
Example:
- Therapist says “touch red.”
- Child selects red card and receives praise.
- Child selects blue card and does not receive reinforcement.
Over repeated trials, the child learns to discriminate between red and blue.
That learning process is discrimination training.
Why Discrimination Training ABA Is Important
Without discrimination skills, learning remains limited.
Children must learn to:
- Follow specific instructions
- Identify objects
- Distinguish sounds
- Recognize letters and numbers
- Respond differently in different settings
Research in applied behavior analysis shows that structured discrimination procedures support skill acquisition across communication and academic domains.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis discusses stimulus control procedures used in teaching communication responses. These procedures form the foundation of discrimination training ABA.
Key Components of Discrimination Training ABA
To understand discrimination training ABA, consider these core elements:
- Discriminative Stimulus (SD)
A cue that signals reinforcement is available. - Response
The behavior the learner performs. - Consequence
Reinforcement if correct, no reinforcement or correction if incorrect. - Repetition
Multiple learning trials.
This structure builds reliable responding.
Types of Discrimination in ABA
Simple Discrimination
Simple discrimination involves two stimuli.
Example:
- “Clap” vs “Jump”
The learner responds only when the correct cue is presented.
Conditional Discrimination
Conditional discrimination involves more complex relationships.
Example:
- Match red cup to red plate
- Match letter A to picture of apple
This type of discrimination is often taught through matching-to-sample tasks.
Research published in Behavior Analysis in Practice discusses how matching-to-sample procedures support discrimination learning. Both simple and conditional procedures are used in discrimination training ABA.
Case Example: Teaching Color Identification
Child profile:
- Age 4
- Difficulty identifying colors
Intervention:
- Present two color cards
- Instruction: “Touch blue.”
- Reinforce correct response
- Rotate position of cards
- Repeat trials
Outcome after consistent sessions:
- Accurate color identification across settings
This demonstrates how discrimination training ABA builds foundational academic skills.
Case Example: Social Discrimination
Child profile:
- Age 7
- Responds “hi” to every question
Intervention:
- Practice discriminating between greeting and question
- Reinforce correct response
- Provide corrective feedback for errors
Over time:
- Child answers questions appropriately
- Greeting used only when relevant
Social communication improves through discrimination training.
How Discrimination Training ABA Supports Language
Language requires discrimination.
Children must:
- Distinguish similar-sounding words
- Respond differently to different instructions
- Identify objects by name
Without discrimination skills, vocabulary does not generalize. Discrimination procedures help establish stimulus control, meaning the correct cue reliably produces the correct response.
Discrimination Training ABA and Academic Skills
Academic learning relies on discrimination.
Examples include:
- Letter recognition
- Number identification
- Reading comprehension
- Math problem solving
Children learn to respond differently to symbols and instructions. Structured discrimination training ABA increases accuracy and independence.
Common Errors in Discrimination Learning
Errors may occur due to:
- Prompt dependency
- Position bias
- Inconsistent reinforcement
- Insufficient repetition
ABA therapists use data to adjust procedures. Prompt fading and randomization prevent rote responding.
How Progress Is Measured
In discrimination training ABA, therapists track:
- Percent correct responses
- Prompt level required
- Error patterns
- Generalization across settings
Data-based decision making guides next steps.
Why Discrimination Training ABA Reduces Problem Behavior
When children understand cues clearly, confusion decreases.
Confusion can lead to:
- Task refusal
- Frustration
- Avoidance behavior
Clear stimulus control reduces ambiguity. Functional communication training and discrimination training often work together to improve behavior.
Conclusion
Discrimination training ABA teaches children to respond correctly to specific cues in their environment. It is essential for language, academics, and social understanding. Research supports structured stimulus control procedures in building reliable, generalized skills.
At Inclusive ABA, our clinical team designs individualized programs that use discrimination training to build strong foundations for communication and learning. If your child struggles with following instructions, identifying concepts, or responding appropriately to cues, schedule a consultation with Inclusive ABA today.
Clear teaching leads to confident learning.
FAQs
What is discrimination training ABA in simple terms?
It is teaching a child to respond differently to different cues.
Why is discrimination training important?
It supports language, academic skills, and appropriate behavior.
What is the difference between simple and conditional discrimination?
Simple discrimination involves two cues. Conditional discrimination involves more complex relationships.
How is discrimination training taught?
Through repeated trials with reinforcement for correct responses.
Can discrimination training reduce challenging behavior?
Yes. Clear stimulus control reduces confusion and frustration.
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