PIVOTAL RESPONSE TREATMENT® (PRT®) ROADMAP
​​
​What is Pivotal Response Treatment® (PRT®) ?
PRT is an evidence-based behavioral intervention based on applied behavior analysis principles aimed to improve social communication skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Rather than address one behavior at a time, PRT® addresses multiple "pivotal", important targets of development. It leverages motivation to make progress in communication, responsiveness to multiple cues, self-managment, and social interactions. PRT® is also designed to decrease self-stimming. Targeting these "pivotal" or critical areas of development is theorized to cause improvements across the board in social skills, academics, positive behavior, and communication. The key is leveraging and maintaining a high motivation to reach goals. Click on the link to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n9vlBtbji8
​
A Brief History: During the 1960's, professionals began concentrating on behavior interventions for people with Autism with success. In the 1970's, Robert and Lynn Koegel developed
this therapy based on the Natural Language Paradigm or verbal language acquisition and targeting four critical areas of development.Richard Simpson of the University of Kansas later
identified Pivotal Response Treatment as one of the four scientifically based treatments for autism in 2005.
What are the benefits?
PRT® programs are individualized to the needs of each child. The recommended commitment is 25hrs a week and becomes ingrained within the family. According to esearch has shown that the use of motivational techniques within the PRT® teaching framework can lead to 85-90% of children with autism (who begin intervention before the age of 5) developing verbal communication as a primary mode of communication. Over a long-term study, the Koegel's identified "initiation" as a key component in therapy and the ability to ask questions. PRT® has developed ways to nurture this skill.
​
Recommended ages: 2-16 year old
​
Training Opportunities: Special education teachers, therapists and BCBA's can attend a training class offered by the Koegel Autism Research Center. Onsite professional training workshops are also available so that multiple professionals can benefit. Click here for more information: http://www.autismprthelp.com
​
Skype Consultations are available for both parents and professionals
http://www.autismprthelp.com/online-prt-programs-for-parents-and-professionals.php
​
Here is a list of Certified Trained PRT professionals, unfortunately, there are non in PA or NJ at this time. http://www.autismprthelp.com/find-a-professional-certified-in-prt%C2%AE.php
​
Recommended books:
The PRT Pocket Guide: Pivotal Response Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching for Children with Autism
​
​