Behavioral Skills Training in Autism Interventions

Behavioral Skills Training (BST) has emerged as a cornerstone methodology in the design and delivery of autism interventions, combining instruction, modelling, rehearsal and feedback to teach both practitioners and caregivers a range of evidence-based techniques. In the context of autism spectrum disorder, BST is typically applied to train implementers in procedures such as functional communication training, discrete trial teaching and naturalistic developmental-behavioural interventions. By breaking down complex teaching routines into discrete, observable steps, BST not only enhances the fidelity of implementation but also accelerates the acquisition of critical social, communicative and self-management skills in autistic learners. Recent work has emphasised the adaptability of BST across settings—from specialised clinics and inclusive classrooms to remote and hybrid training platforms—underscoring its global applicability. Moreover, advances in technology and telepractice have extended the reach of BST, enabling real-time coaching and feedback in geographically diverse regions. Collectively, this body of research highlights the practical utility of BST in fostering sustainable improvements in both intervention quality and learner outcomes, while also informing policy and workforce development strategies worldwide.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Behavioral Skills Training in Autism Interventions publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in behavioral skills training in autism interventions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Behavioral Skills Training (BST): A structured teaching package comprising instruction, modelling, rehearsal and feedback to ensure accurate implementation of behaviour-analytic procedures.
Functional Communication Training (FCT): An intervention that teaches alternative communication responses to replace challenging behaviours by identifying and reinforcing the function of the behaviour.
Preference Assessment: A systematic method for identifying stimuli that an individual prefers, used to select effective reinforcers in intervention programmes.
Implementation Fidelity: The extent to which an intervention is delivered as designed, measured by adherence to prescribed procedural steps.
Icon Exchange Communication System: A form of augmentative and alternative communication in which users exchange pictorial icons to convey messages, often adapted for individuals with limited verbal skills.

References

1. Using Behavioral Skills Training and Coaching with Preservice Teachers: An Evaluation of Impact on Implementation Fidelity. Education Sciences (2025).
2. Training Staff to Implement Free-Operant Preference Assessment: Effects of Remote Behavioral Skills Training. Education Sciences (2024).
3. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Behavioral Skills Training on the Implementation of an Icon Exchange Communication Intervention by Preservice Educators. Education and Treatment of Children (2025).