P.R.T
Pivotal Response Treatment, or PRT, is an integrative intervention which includes behavioral, developmental and naturalistic approaches in the treatment of autism. This therapy is play-based and initiated by the child.
The goals of this approach include:
Development of communication and language skills
Increasing positive social behaviors
Relief from disruptive self-stimulatory behaviors
The PRT therapist targets “pivotal” areas of a child’s development instead of working on one specific behavior. By focusing on pivotal areas, PRT produces improvements across other areas of social skills, communication, behavior and learning.
:Pivotal areas include
Motivation
Response to multiple cues
Self-management
Initiation of social interactions
Socialization
Empathy
Motivation strategies are an important part of the PRT approach. These emphasize natural reinforcement. PRT was developed by Dr. Robert L. Koegel and Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel of Stanford University.
What is the evidence that PRT is effective?
PRT is one of the best studied and validated treatments for autism. Studies suggest that PRT improves communication skills in many (though not all) children who have autism. A 2017 review of brain imaging studies showed evidence that PRT improves brain activity associated with sociability and communication.
A 2020 meta analysis, reviewing the non pharmacological early interventions, found that PRT may be particularly useful for supporting development of social communication, language and play skills (Sandbank et el 2020).
For more information go to Stanford Autism Center
