Understanding Pivotal Response Treatment in ABA Therapy
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is an effective method for helping children with autism. At InBloom Autism Services, we incorporate PRT into our therapy. It is one of the many methods our therapists use to help your child learn and grow.
What Is Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)?
Pivotal Response Treatment is a play-based, natural approach to building positive skills in children with autism. Rather than focusing on a specific behavior, such as sharing a toy, PRT works on broad, pivotal areas of behavior.
As they grow in these pivotal areas, children can develop important skills, from communication to socialization and more. This sets them up for success at home, in school, and throughout their lives.
Comparing PRT With Traditional ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy at InBloom helps children develop positive behaviors and skills naturally. Pivotal Response Treatment is based on the principles of ABA and can be thought of as just one aspect of ABA therapy at InBloom.
PRT fosters the pivotal skills that form a foundation for success. It is one of the many methods our therapists use to create an effective, personalized therapy experience for your child.
Key Parts of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
The pivotal areas we focus on with Pivotal Response Treatment include:
Self-Management
Being more aware of their behaviors and actions and learning to manage these positively is the essence of self-management. PRT helps your child relate to those around them and to their environment more effectively.
Multiple Cues
Cues can be things in the environment, gestures, social cues, or nonverbal signals. PRT helps children with autism recognize and respond to a variety of cues, enabling them to interact and communicate with those around them.
Social Initiation
For children with autism, learning to initiate social interaction in a healthy, positive way is essential. PRT helps to build important skills, like raising a hand to be called on in a classroom.
Motivation
In PRT, positive reinforcement helps motivate kiddos to learn new skills. For example, when they make a meaningful attempt to ask a therapist to read a book, they are rewarded with praise and, importantly, having that book read to them. Giving children a choice in what they do and alternating between easy and hard activities can also help build their motivation.
How PRT Works
Pivotal Response Treatment uses a play-based approach, making learning enjoyable and natural. Play is an important foundation for development in all children, and children with autism are no exception. By incorporating PRT into play, our therapists can help your child build positive skills that will carry over into many other real-world settings.
A reward system is an important part of PRT. Simply put, when a child makes a meaningful effort to use a positive skill, it’s encouraged. For example, if they make an effort to request a particular toy, they’ll be given the opportunity to play with that toy.
Implementing PRT
At our InBloom Autism Services locations, our experienced therapists do an excellent job of incorporating PRT into your child’s therapy. Our play-based environment and opportunities for socialization create a great foundation for PRT, adding to your child’s therapy experience.
Like other therapeutic techniques for autism, Pivotal Response Treatment is even more beneficial when used at home. Our therapists can coach you on incorporating PRT into your child’s home life to create continuity and improve outcomes for your child.
Benefits of Pivotal Response Treatment for Children
PRT offers a wealth of benefits. Here are just a few:
- Learning healthy social initiation promotes overall development, fosters healthy connections with peers, and builds independence and autonomy.
- Self-management skills increase executive function and decision-making, preparing your child for success at school and beyond. Learning to regulate their emotions can help with stress management.
- Learning to respond to multiple cues can help your child navigate social situations and apply their skills in a wide variety of settings. This also builds their confidence and independence.
Research and Evidence
Pivotal Response Treatment is a proven, well-researched method for helping children on the autism spectrum. One study showed that when combined with language interventions in children with autism, PRT helps with language development, while also improving cognitive and social skills. Some brain imaging studies show improvement in brain activity in the areas of socialization and communication as a result of PRT.
Take the Next Step in Your Autism Therapy Journey
We take pride in offering We invite you to take the next step on your child’s journey of growth and discovery. ABA therapy at InBloom Autism Services can help your child unlock their full potential and blossom in new and exciting ways. Contact us today, or give us a call at 888-754-0398.
Parent Reviews
Inbloom is the very best thing that has happened to my family this year our son has reached so many milestones with the help of the staff! Every staff member is so attentive to the needs of our son and so professional! These five stars are not enough to rate or appreciate them!
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
Raykeshia S.
Farmers Branch, TX
We are so grateful for finding InBloom! I was shocked when she made more progress in her first 3 weeks at InBloom than she did the entire time at the other facility. On top of that, the entire staff is so wonderful and communicates with us on every little step. I can't recommend them highly enough!
Christiana M.
Chandler, AZ
Christiana M.
Chandler, AZ
He’s only been going for 3 months and has already learned so much. Dad and I can definitely tell he’s learning and picking up on things he’s being taught. He’s always excited to go to “InBloom School.” He even asks on weekends. I highly recommend it.
Ebony F.
Colorado Springs, CO
Ebony F.
Colorado Springs, CO
Every interaction I've had there with anyone at all has been a pleasant one. It's always scary to leave my son somewhere the first time but the way he is eager to go back the next day instantly made me feel at ease. Everyone is so compassionate and I can already see slight changes in how he carries himself. I definitely recommend this Learning Center.
Nicole M.
San Antonio, TX
Nicole M.
San Antonio, TX
My son has made so much progress since he started there. Everyone there is so nice and good at their job! Would absolutely recommend!
Sara W.
Brookfield, WI
Sara W.
Brookfield, WI
Our son has made tremendous progress, and we as a family are beyond thrilled to see the love and care this team has for our son. He loves it there, his therapists, and his peers!
Emily B.
Jacksonville, FL
Emily B.
Jacksonville, FL
The most enjoyable part is seeing all of your effort paying off. When you can hear a child say something or even SING something, when they can't speak at all or in anything other than baby talk, is the most rewarding thing ever.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Norwich, CT
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Norwich, CT
I’m beyond blessed to work for a company that is so supportive and generally cares for every student and employee's growth. I’ve been in this field for over 7 years and I’ve NEVER had a company provide so much assistance that betters my quality of teaching.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
St. Petersburg, FL
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
St. Petersburg, FL
