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Pivotal Response Training
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) captures opportunities to build on the learner’s initiative and interests, and is effective for developing communication, language, play, and social behaviors (Vismara & Begin, 2009). Pivotal behavior, is a behavior that once it is learned, produces changes in other adaptive or untrained behaviors. When these pivotal responses are targeted, they can cause changes in behavioral cusps. These changes then spread out across several aspects of the child’s life, allowing for improved interactions with others. It is important to note that play-based PRT sessions are much less structured than other ABA therapy approaches. Learners are permitted to “lead” the sessions, and a therapist or caregiver rewards behaviors that show improvement, but they do not push for specific learning outcomes. Practitioners believe that allowing children more freedom improves their ability to self-motivate, to be curious, and to desire their own change. Learners with autism who receive this behavior analytic training are more likely to make generalized improvements in other areas.