Presented by: Daniel Openden
Date: Friday, October 24, 2008
Time: 8:30am - 10:00 am
Session: Session 18

Outline of Presentation

This presentation will delineate the development and implementation of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT).  PRT is an empirically validated model for teaching children with autism.  The model has been described in the literature as a family-centered approach that may be implemented throughout the day and across natural environments such as in the home, at school, or in the community.  The presenter will discuss procedures for improving the pivotal response of motivation to produce generalized improvements in language and social skills and reductions in disruptive behaviors.  Motivational procedures include task variation, child choice, rewarding attempts, and using natural reinforcers.  Specific examples will be used to illustrate how parents and professionals can implement the procedures throughout the day and across settings (e.g. home, school, and community).