Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a behavior-focused therapy for autistic children. Typically initiated by the child, this training uses ABA principles and play-based practices to engage the child’s interests. PRT targets developmental delays and behavioral challenges in order to generate more positive behavior. In this blog, we’ll discuss the following:
- What Are The Goals of Pivotal Response Training?
- What Is An Example Of Pivotal Response Training?
- Is Pivotal Response Training The Same As ABA?
- Who Can Provide PRT?
- Is PRT Effective?
What Are The Goals of Pivotal Response Training?
PRT targets pivotal areas of developmental delays seen in children with autism. While goals are personalized for each consumer, common goals of Pivotal Response Training include:
- Increasing social interactions and communication skills.
- Enhancing motivation.
- Increasing independence.
- Reducing behavioral challenges.
- Enhancing generalized skills.
Each child has different skills, needs, and interests- and your PRT specialist will customize their program to fit your child’s learning style. With a flexible approach, PRT is versatile and remains person-centered.
What Is An Example Of Pivotal Response Training?
An example of PRT would start with a specialist setting out a variety of toys. Giving the child choices, the specialist would wait for the consumer to express interest in one of the offered objects.
Waiting to see a pivotal change in communication, the specialist would observe the child’s ability to express their desires- such as, “I want the blue ball.” After vocalizing the desired response, the specialist will respond with praise and positive reinforcement and will give the child the blue ball. The specialist will continue to prompt a response with multiple cues to encourage the child to use other forms of communication, such as nonverbal gestures.
After the session, the specialist would encourage family involvement at home to promote consistency and continued learning.
Is Pivotal Response Training The Same As ABA?
Pivotal Response Training is not the same as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), but it’s shared under the ABA umbrella. As PRT focuses on pivotal areas of a child’s development, the improved areas show noticeable changes in one’s behavior.
Key factors of Pivotal Response Training include:
- Naturalistic setting. PRT happens in a natural environment that mirrors daily scenarios so that skills can be applied to the learner’s everyday life.
- Child choice. In order to promote maximum motivation to engage, the learner will have a level of choice and control.
- Communication. Increasing communication will increase positive behavior and social skills.
- Response to multiple cues. To create flexibility in behavior, the learner will be required to respond to various situations/cues.
- Reinforcement. Similar to ABA, natural reinforcement will motivate and reward the learner.
- Family involvement. Family will help with the consistency and practice of PRT at home.
Shared with ABA, PRT is an individualized experience that is tailored to the learner’s needs- each consumer’s program will look different.
Who Can Provide PRT?
A variety of professionals can provide PRT, including special education teachers, psychologists, autism specialists, behavior therapists, and speech-language therapists. Trained professionals will provide the best training, but the concepts of PRT can also be practiced by parents or caregivers at home.
What Is The Age Range For Pivotal Response Training?
PRT prides itself on a flexible approach, which makes it appropriate to apply to all age ranges. PRT is not limited to age, but younger autistic children are typically the target group. If early intervention is applied, learned skills can be applied throughout the child’s development.
Is PRT Effective?
PRT has been researched to be effective in increasing communication skills and social acquisition. PRT aids the learner in multiple areas of development through task variety and stabilizes one’s skills for the future. Pivotal areas affected by the training include positive communication, social interaction, and behavioral flexibility.
Is Pivotal Response Training Evidence-Based Practice?
Yes, PRT is an evidence-based practice. Its validity has been verified by observing positive treatment effects, the consumer’s maintenance of skills, comparison within controlled groups, published research studies, and professional organization recommendations.
Talk to an ABA Therapist Today
At Roman Empire Agency, we provide a variety of services, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Adaptive Skills Training, Supported Living Services, and Independent Living Skills Training. To see how Pivotal Response Training can work for your loved one, contact us today at 833-377-2570.