Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI)

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) are at the intersection of behavioral and developmental approaches to early intervention. NDBI are research-based interventions derived from the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Developmental Psychology. NDBI integrate components from both fields and leverage the strengths of each perspective to serve young children from birth through age five. 

Behavioral components found across NDBI include:

  • Environmental arrangement
  • Direct Teaching
  • Prompting
  • Reinforcement
  • Shaping

Developmental components found across NDBI include:

  • Following the developmental sequence
  • Utilizing a child’s natural environment
  • Following the child’s lead
  • Joint engagement
  • Relationship building


While NDBI are considered a newer class of interventions for young children, there are several established and evidence-based NDBI including:

  • Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
  • Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
  • Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation (JASPER)
  • Project ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communication Teachers)
  • Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT)

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