What is Natural Environment Teaching?
Unlocking Potential: Why Real-World Learning is Key
At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service (MATS), our goal is to help every client build essential life skills that they can use confidently, every day. While clinic-based therapy has its place, we often rely on a powerful, evidence-based strategy called Natural Environment Teaching (NET). But what exactly is NET, and how does it differ from traditional therapy?
In this article, we’ll explore the foundation of NET and explain why it’s central to achieving genuine, lasting outcomes in your child’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) journey with MATS.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) vs. Clinic-Based ABA: The Core Difference
The Definition of NET
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is an approach to ABA where learning takes place in the child’s everyday surroundings and uses the child’s current interests and natural routines as teaching opportunities.
In NET, the therapist uses toys, materials, and situations that are naturally present in the environment (e.g., home, park, school) to teach a skill. For example, if a child is interested in a ball, the therapist uses that ball to teach requesting, labeling, or turn-taking.
Clinic-Based ABA: A Different Setting
Traditional, or Discrete Trial Training (DTT)-based, ABA often takes place in a structured, distraction-free clinical setting. Here, the therapist might present a flashcard or a simple instruction (e.g., “Touch your nose”) and deliver a specific reward for the correct response. This is highly structured and effective for initial skill acquisition.
Why Real-World Settings Matter: The Benefits of NET
While both methods are crucial, NET offers unique advantages by leveraging the power of the natural environment.
1. Improved Skill Generalization
This is the single biggest benefit of NET. Generalization means a child can use a skill (like asking for “water”) across different people (mom, teacher, grandpa), places (home, school, restaurant), and times.
When a child learns to request a toy in a quiet clinic room, they often struggle to ask for the same toy while at a crowded park. By teaching the skill in the park, MATS ensures the child learns to navigate the noise, the distraction, and the real-world variables immediately, leading to true mastery.
2. Enhanced Motivation and Engagement
NET therapy is child-led. Since the teaching is incorporated into activities the child already wants to do (playing with blocks, having a snack, going outside), the learning process feels like fun, not work. This increased natural motivation leads to faster skill acquisition and better retention.
3. Focus on Life Skills
NET naturally focuses on the skills a child needs most in their daily life, such as:
- Social interaction during a game with siblings.
- Tolerating delays while waiting for a turn.
- Following instructions during meal preparation.
- Asking for help in a busy supermarket.
How MATS Delivers Natural Environment Therapy
At Myers Assessment & Therapeutic Service, we recognize that the home, school, and community are the most important classrooms. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, Natural Environment ABA Therapy exactly where our clients need it most.
Therapy in Homes, Schools, and Communities
Our experienced RBTs and BCBAs work collaboratively with your family to implement therapy across various settings:
| Setting | Focus Areas in NET |
| Home-Based Therapy | Self-Help Skills (e.g., dressing, toileting, chores), Communication with family, and Play Skills with siblings. |
| School-Based Support | Educational Support and Advocacy, following classroom routines, group instruction tolerance, and peer social skills. |
| Community Outings | Crisis Intervention Support, safety skills (e.g., crossing the street), waiting, and appropriate behavior in public settings (e.g., stores, parks). |
The MATS Difference
Our commitment to Comprehensive Parent Training is crucial in NET. We don’t just teach the child; we teach the parents and caregivers how to naturally incorporate learning into their daily routines. This consistency between the therapist and the family is what truly guarantees the best long-term outcomes for skill generalization.
Ready to Explore a Customized, Real-World Approach?
If you are looking for an ABA service that focuses on building skills your child can use everywhere, then the Natural Environment Teaching approach at MATS is the right fit. Our model ensures that the investment you make in therapy translates into a genuinely improved quality of life for your child and your family.
