What is Natural Environment Teaching? A Guide to NET

In 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1 in 31 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a more than 380% increase since 2000. This increase highlights greater awareness and improved diagnostic practices, as well as a growing demand for supportive teaching approaches like Natural Environment Teaching (NET).

Developed for children who struggle with traditional learning methods, NET seamlessly blends learning with play and daily routines. NET can happen on a walk, during snack time, or in a sandbox. At any moment, a therapist or caregiver can turn an everyday activity into a teachable moment. 

Key Findings on Natural Environment Teaching (NET)

• Child-Led and Naturalistic Approach: NET emphasizes child-initiated learning opportunities during everyday routines and play, making skills more relevant and engaging.
• Integration with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Rooted in ABA principles, NET uses natural reinforcement and operant conditioning to promote meaningful skill development.
• Broad Benefits for Learners: Research shows that NET improves communication, social interaction, independence, and whole-child development, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Comparison with Structured ABA Methods: Unlike Discrete Trial Training (DTT), which is structured and adult-led, NET is flexible, spontaneous, and woven into daily activities, though both approaches can complement each other.
• Active Role of Caregivers and Educators: Parents, teachers, and therapists can all create incidental teaching opportunities at home, in schools, and in community settings to reinforce real-world skills

Why NET is effective

NET is effective because it’s rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is a scientific approach to understanding and changing people’s behavior. Instead of structured classroom environments, NET uses natural settings and incidental teaching opportunities to engage children and reinforce real-world skills. For example, if a child wants a toy, they might be encouraged to say its name or color before receiving it. This way, the child learns how to communicate naturally (in the moment), and the reward reinforces the behavior. 

This article will go over NET, how it benefits children with ASD and other neurodiverse individuals, key skills taught through NET, and tips therapists, educators, caregivers, and parents can use for implementing NET. If you’re looking for practical ways to support a child’s growth and development, this guide will help you put NET into action.

Understanding NET

NET is an evidence-based instructional strategy rooted in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Rather than relying solely on structured teaching formats, NET leverages naturally occurring situations and students’ interests to teach meaningful, functional skills in real-life contexts (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2020). 

A core feature of NET is its emphasis on child-led engagement. By embedding instruction into preferred activities or routines, NET increases relevance and motivation, which then supports generalization, spontaneity, and long-term retention of learned behaviors (Sundberg & Partington, 1998; Schreibman et al., 2015).

NET is grounded in the principles of operant conditioning: B.F. Skinner’s theory that behavior is shaped by its consequences. In practice, this means reinforcing behaviors naturally and immediately. For example, giving a child a toy after they request it appropriately or allowing access to a snack after labeling it using a communication system (Cooper et al., 2020).

Peer-reviewed research consistently supports NET’s effectiveness, particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies show that incidental teaching strategies like NET improve communication, play, and adaptive behaviors across a variety of natural environments (McGee, Krantz, & McClannahan, 1985; Koegel, Singh, & Koegel, 2010).

NET is just one of several ABA-based strategies designed to meet the unique needs of each learner. By integrating learning into everyday life, whether it’s brushing teeth, requesting help, or managing big emotions, NET builds critical life skills in ways that feel natural, engaging, and sustainable.

How Does NET Work?

Neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, experience challenges with communication, transitions, and abstract learning. This can make traditional classroom instructional methods less effective. NET helps bridge this gap by meeting students where they are in their natural surroundings and routines.

NET works by creating meaningful learning lessons out of everyday activities. Instead of doing worksheets or drills in the classroom, it’s learning through doing on the child’s terms. When learning engages the senses and is tied to concrete goals, it’s more likely to stick. Think of it as learning to draw by putting pencil to paper rather than just memorizing a how-to book on sketching.

NET follows a few key principles that make learning more effective for neurodiverse and developmentally diverse learners:

• Child-led learning: The child is an active participant in instruction rather than a passive recipient.
• Incidental teaching: Skills are taught naturally in the moment as children go about their day instead of scheduled lessons. 
• Natural reinforcement: The reward for a correct response is tied directly to an activity (e.g., receiving a snack after asking for it).
• Generalization: Skills learned can be generalized to different situations and environments (e.g., a child practicing socialization with a sibling and repeating that with friends at school).
• Functional goals: These practical, everyday skills focus on improving independence and communication.
• Flexibility: Teaching happens whenever the opportunity arises, not just in classroom settings.

Example Scenarios

NET helps children learn and generalize a wide range of functional skills within everyday settings. Approaches are individualized, using the child’s interest and daily routines to make learning interesting, relevant, and easier to retain: three key ingredients for meaningful learning.

Below are a few sample activities across a variety of settings, along with the skills being targeted and how NET can be applied in the moment:

Target Skill	Setting	Activity	How NET Is Applied
Language & Communication	Playtime	Reaching for a toy	– Prompt the child to say the toy’s name  – Reward with the toy
	Art Time	Using scissors and glue	– Prompt the child to name tools and describe what they’re doing
Fine Motor & Functional Skills	Snack Time	Spreading cheese on crackers	– Model grasping a knife and the motion as needed – Use praise, reward is eating the snack
	Playtime	Playing with building blocks	– Encourage the child to build structures or create patterns – Reinforce success with praise
Academic & Cognitive Skills	Playtime	Playing with blocks	– Prompt the child to count and follow a pattern (e.g., “Build a wall with 4 green blocks and 3 yellow blocks”)
	Mealtime	Setting the table	– Give step-by-step directions (e.g., “Put one fork on each plate”)
Social & Conversation Skills	Park	Taking turns on swings	– Prompt the child to wait and take turns (e.g., “Let’s count to 10, then it’s your turn”) – Reward with praise and a turn on the swing
	Home	Talking to a sibling	– Support the child in staying on topic and responding appropriately – Reinforce with positive attention

Benefits of NET

NET offers a range of benefits by embedding skill development into real-world contexts. These benefits align with what research shows about learning in natural, play-based environments. Picture a child learning to count by lining up their toy cars, practicing taking turns on the playground swing, or building language skills while ordering food at a restaurant. These aren’t just sweet moments. They’re powerful teaching moments that stick and build confidence.

Here are some of the core benefits of NET that make this research-based teaching method effective:

• Encourages generalization: Skills learned in natural environments are more likely to transfer to other situations.
• Increases engagement: Learners are more motivated when activities align with their interests and goals.
• Supports functional learning: Focuses on skills that are immediately useful in real life.
• Strengthens social interaction: Often involves family, caregivers, or peers, which fosters social skills naturally.
• Promotes whole-child development: Active, hands-on learning supports cognitive, motor, and emotional growth.

Research shows that children develop better motor coordination, attention, and social skills when learning happens in natural experiences and environments, which is a core principle of NET.

How NET Differs from Other ABA Approaches

Applied Behavior Analysis uses a range of teaching methods, with the two most common approaches being Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and NET. DTT is an adult-led, structured intervention that takes place in controlled environments. It focuses on creating learning opportunities by breaking skills into small, manageable steps and repeating the steps until the child demonstrates mastery. 

For example, a therapist may show a child a green block and ask, “What color is this?” If the child answers correctly, they receive positive reinforcement, and the training session is repeated with different objects until the skill (color recognition) is performed consistently. 

In contrast, NET is child-led, flexible, and happens in everyday routines and natural environments. Therapists or caregivers turn real-life situations into teachable moments. For example, a child reaching for crackers must say the word “cracker” to receive one. Unlike DTT, which separates learning from daily life activities, NET teaches skills in the moment and responds to a child’s actions.

While these approaches differ, many effective ABA programs integrate both DTT and NET. The structured practice of DTT can help establish skills that will then be generalized and applied in natural settings through NET. This complementary approach creates a comprehensive learning experience that leads to better skill retention and functional use.

Who Can Benefit from NET?

“School distress” is a growing challenge linked to neurodivergence and unmet needs in learning environments. These children can experience high levels of frustration and overwhelming emotions. NET is most commonly used to support children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. It works particularly well for those who struggle with communication, sensory regulation, and transitions in traditional classroom settings. 

NET is also effective for typically developing children who are learning new skills, such as language or social interaction. One of its greatest strengths is that it’s done on the child’s terms, in an environment where they feel comfortable, making it feel more natural and rewarding. NET’s flexible approach makes it highly versatile across a range of age groups and developmental stages, meeting children where they are and helping them grow from there.

Key Skills Taught Through NET

NET supports essential skill-building by integrating instruction in routine activities. Key skills targeted through NET include:

• Communication and language development
• Social interaction and play skills
• Daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, or cleaning up
• Cognitive skills like counting, sorting, or problem-solving
• Fine motor skills, like using tools and utensils

Tips for Implementing NET

Since NET can happen across many activities and settings, it doesn’t require a formal setup. You just need to be attentive, responsive, and ready to turn moments into learning opportunities. The goal is to follow the child’s lead, use what they are already doing, and reinforce meaningful behaviors as they happen. 

Here are a few of our favorite tips for putting NET into practice:

• Follow the learner’s lead: Use their interests and actions to guide teaching moments
• Create opportunities: Arrange the environment to encourage skill building (e.g., placing a snack or favorite toy out of reach to prompt communication)
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors to encourage repetition
• Be patient and flexible: Adjust teaching methods based on a learner’s pace and responses
• Use natural, everyday language: Speak in ways that will resonate with the learner

Role of Caregivers and Educators in NET

NET isn’t limited to therapists or structured learning sessions. Parents, caregivers, and educators all play a role in making learning part of children’s daily lives. When everyone works together, these skills are reinforced, generalized, and more likely to be retained.

Whether at home, in the classroom, or out and about, the key is to seize moments where learning can naturally happen. Here are some tips for spotting natural teaching opportunities:

• At home:
  • Ask the child to name clothing items while folding laundry
  • Prompt them to request snacks or toys by name
  • Turn cleanup into a categorization game
• At school:
  • Teach colors while playing with crayons
  • Prompt the child to say “please” when asking for something
  • Use classroom routines, like handing out supplies, to teach following directions
• Around the community:
  • Have the child greet store clerks or help carry bags
  • Use playground time to teach turn-taking and social interaction
  • Name which items you’re putting in the cart during a grocery trip

There are countless opportunities to teach and reinforce important life skills if you watch out for them. With a little creativity, most routines or actions can become a useful mini-lesson.

Conclusion

NET is a powerful, flexible, personalized teaching method with its roots in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and operant conditioning. By incorporating learning into everyday routines, NET supports developing practical, functional skills, especially for children with autism and other developmental delays. It leads to increased motivation and improves skill retention by making learning feel natural and rewarding.

Whether you’re an educator or an aspiring behavior analyst, understanding how to apply NET can help make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Learn more about the science behind behavioral interventions and how to support children in real-world settings through National University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree. Start your journey today and help shape brighter futures tomorrow.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Data & statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Koegel, L. K., Singh, A. K., & Koegel, R. L. (2010). Improving motivation for academics in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(9), 1057–1066. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-0956-2

McGee, G. G., Krantz, P. J., & McClannahan, L. E. (1985). The facilitative effects of incidental teaching on preposition use by autistic children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(1), 17–31. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1985.18-17

Schreibman, L., Dawson, G., Stahmer, A. C., Landa, R., Rogers, S. J., McGee, G. G., … & Halladay, A. (2015). Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions: Empirically validated treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(8), 2411–2428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2407-8 

Sundberg, M. L., & Partington, J. W. (1998). Teaching language to children with autism or other developmental disabilities. Behavior Analysts, Inc.https://behavior.org/product/teaching-language-to-children-with-autism-and-other-developmental-disabilities/