Direct Instruction (DI) is a curriculum based, instructional methodology used for teaching children with autism. The DI method involves scripted teaching to ensure that children receive efficient instruction along with appropriate error correction procedures. Direct Instruction includes a set of teaching principles and a specifically developed curriculum.

The six guiding principles of DI include: a carefully designed curriculum, teaching in small groups, fast-paced teaching, scripts, and signs and choral responding. It aims to prepare children in a way that they learn to 100 percent mastery of a subject.

Direct Instruction is based on Zig Engelmann and his theory that children can learn faster if instructions are delivered by the staff members in a clear, concise way.

Some examples of the use of direct instruction in grades K-6 include spelling, reading, math, and much more.