Pivotal Response Training

PRT is a naturalistic intervention model based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis that can be implemented within the daily routines of the family. This model is used as the foundation for treatment models such as the Denver Model (Dawson, 2010). The desired outcome of the parent training is to empower parents to teach their child or youth, choose goals and confidently support their child to successfully integrate into the community.

Parents are trained as co-therapists in order to ensure generalization of in-centre goals. The focus of the parent training is on the five pivotal areas of development, motivation, responsiveness to multiple cues, self-management, self-initiations, and empathy. By training parents in these pivotal areas, skills have been demonstrated to increase in the areas of communication, social, daily living and decrease undesirable behaviours (Baker-Ericzen, Stahmer, Burns, 2007; Coolican, Smith & Bryson, 2010; Koegel & Koegel, 2006; Koegel, Koegel, Koegel & Brookman, 2003; Koegel, Shoshan, McNerney, 1999)

The National Autism Center (2009) listed Pivotal Response Training (PRT) as an Effective ABA based intervention for children with autism. In an effort to enhance program outcomes and support families, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) has demonstrated that as little as 25 hours of parent training can provide an 'immediate and cost effective intervention' (Coolican, Smith & Bryson, 2010).