This online article describes and evaluates the use of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), an approach based on the idea that certain parts of child development are pivotal or crucial. In PRT, the interventionist focuses on these areas, which are motivation, self-management, self-initiation, and the ability to respond to multiple cues.

The article notes that there is strong research evidence to support PRT’s use in targeting key developmental skills in autism. It suggests that the naturalistic reinforcement used in PRT could give it an edge over traditional behavioral approaches such as discrete trial training, but it recommends further research to compare PRT to other interventions.

Research Autism was a charity funding research in autism interventions. Research Autism’s information services have been absorbed by the National Autistic Society (NAS). Founded in 1962, the NAS “provide[s] information, support and pioneering services, and campaign[s] for a better world for autistic people. [Website]