Increasing Trials Presented to Children With Autism: Using Frequency Building With Modeling and Feedback

Barosky et al. (2021) tested a 20-minute staff training package. The package had three parts: watch a model, practice with a timer, and get quick feedback.

Three adults who work with autistic children joined the study. The goal was to make each adult present more learning trials per minute.

After the short session every adult doubled or tripled their trial rate. The gains showed up right away and held steady.

No extra prizes or long meetings were needed. Just one quick burst of modeling and timed practice did the job.

Lavie et al. (2002) did something similar but took 80 minutes. They also used modeling and feedback, yet needed four times the minutes to reach mastery. The new study shows you can cut that time to 20 minutes and still win.

Courtemanche et al. (2021) pushed the idea even further. They trained 36 staff at once with peer feedback and kept scores high. Barosky keeps the group tiny, proving the mini-lesson works before you try a big room.

Yassa et al. (2024) adds a warning: skills can fade when clients or rules change. They added booster meetings to keep fidelity up. Barosky did not test long-term wear-off, so plan your own boosters if the task shifts.

You can steal this 20-minute drill tomorrow. Pick one staff member who runs too few trials. Show a short video model, run two timed practices, give a tip, and watch the numbers climb. It costs almost no payroll and needs no fancy kit. Use it to warm up new hires or to refresh veterans on a slow afternoon.