Pivotal Response Training (PRT)

There are unique methods that can be employed at home to help children with autism develop key skills.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is a play-based therapy designed to make learning fun by keeping the child’s
attention. Regular moments–mealtime, dressing, play–become opportunities to foster motivation,
communication, and other “pivotal” skills critical to social interactions and other areas of life. Parents also
unlock a practical pathway to teaching their child how to productively interact with the world around them with
less frustration and disruptions.

Pivotal Response Treatment Theory

What exactly is Pivotal Response Treatment, and how does it work? PRT autism therapy techniques are play-based
interventions that target key areas of development, including motivation, communication, and social engagement.
By using something as simple as a favorite toy, parents or educators can make everyday interactions fun and
engaging, helping to develop these essential life skills.

Child-Led Learning

The child chooses many of the opportunities, questions, and instructions involved with Pivotal Response Treatment at home. Their interests are the guide.

Motivation-Focused

By catering to natural interests and motivators, learning is more fun and meaningful.

Natural Settings

Learning occurs in familiar settings and during everyday activities and routines.

Targeting Pivotal Areas

Essential capabilities that are strengthened include motivation, communication, socialization, and self-management.

Positive Reinforcement

Both attempts and successes are rewarded to encourage progress.

Parent Involvement

Parents also benefit by developing strategies that support learning with reduced stress.

The Building Blocks To Full Development

Early development is critical for adulthood, especially gaining the social competencies that allow them to
interact effectively with others and succeed in the world. PRT for language development is typically the
starting point because communication is a significant challenge for kids with autism. Areas that PRT for
language development focus on are teaching how to initiate conversations, respond to others, and use words in
everyday situations. However, this initial learning is only a doorway to other essential competencies.
Improvements in language and communication lead to a wide range of benefits that will aid individuals throughout
their lives.

A Practical Tool for Parents and Teachers

Giving the student or child more control over the learning process doesn’t degrade effectiveness. Harnessing
natural curiosity and the power of play makes PRT autism therapy techniques feel fun rather than like formal
lessons.

Natural curiosity and interests create opportunities for learning.
Sessions are structured around what generates responsiveness.
Lessons have a more profound impact when they are engaging and stimulating.

PRT is a versatile tool that works well in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies. It can be tailored
to each child’s unique needs while helping to strengthen and build upon progress made in various treatments and
settings.

Examples of PRT in Action

Do you want to try Pivotal Response Treatment at home? Resources like
education.ucsb.edu/autism
can supply in-depth information on when and how to use this and other therapies. Some examples can also help to
make the approach more straightforward to understand and apply:

Making Requests: Place a favorite toy just out of reach and prompt the child to communicate that they want it. Giving the toy after the child responds appropriately reinforces better ways to express their wants and desires.
Targeting Colors: When playing with Legos, prompt them to state the color of the blocks they want before adding them to the tower.
Articulating Words: Incorporate specific words into play and encourage children to mimic the sound, for example, saying “go” before releasing a wind-up car.
Encouraging Task Completion: Use natural interests as a motivator to encourage daily chores and task completion.

PRT for Language Development Near San Diego

Champion Autism is your resource for finding PRT for language development near San Diego. We work with several
organizations, businesses, and individuals that provide various tools for people with ASD, including physical,
psychological, and occupational therapies. Our mission is to help you unlock these critical resources regardless
of financial status.

An Evidence-Based Approach

Parents, teachers, therapists, and other caregivers trust PRT autism therapy techniques and its long history of
success for young individuals with ASD. Developed in the 70s and 80s by Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel at UC Santa
Barbara, it incorporates naturalistic intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Where
other methods are highly structured and leave children disengaged, PRT allows children to take an active role in
their learning. You can trust this evidence-based approach that enables broader progress in speech, social
interaction, and daily living.

Call for Information and Resources

Pivotal Response Treatment is a flexible intervention tool suitable for one-on-one teaching and natural
settings. Parents and caregivers can turn play into teaching opportunities to facilitate desired behavior
changes while simultaneously strengthening the child’s core communication skills. The wide-ranging benefits
extend into everyday life and adulthood. Contact Be Involved · Act Now · Champion Autism to uncover tools and education on how to incorporate this transformative learning technique into your parenting and teaching environment.
(888) 815-2676