Outline of Presentation:

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is an empirically validated approach for children with autism spectrum disorders. In contrast to traditional behavioral models that focus on individual target behaviors, PRT addresses pivotal areas of responding that, when targeted for intervention, produce collateral improvements in untargeted behaviors. Critical to the prognosis of individuals with autism is the development of social competence. This presentation will demonstrate how a focus on pivotal areas can enhance the development of social competence in children with autism. Specifically, studies within the PRT model that have produced generalized changes in social communication and interaction will be reviewed. Next, methods for translating PRT into effective and accessible clinical practice will be described. Finally, unanswered questions about and research priorities for PRT will be identified.
Learner Objectives

1. Participants will be able to understand pivotal responses as they relate to core areas of intervention and generalized improvements in children with autism spectrum disorders.

2. Participants will be able to understand how PRT relates to the development of social competence, including improvements in social communication and interaction, in children with autism spectrum disorders.

3. Participants will be able to understand unanswered questions about and research priorities for PRT.