Pivotal response training in applied behavior analysis
Pivotal response training (PRT)
Pivotal response training falls under the field of applied behavior analysis and is an evidence-based practice used with children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. Pivotal response training focuses on less structured play and is more directed by the child than by the therapist.
A focal response training session may include play with the parent or therapist, Where the adult allows the child to make some choices but works to reward some specific behaviors. like, Use the full sentence to request a specific game.
Pivotal Response Training is a natural behavioral approach that focuses on targeting pivotal areas of development to make broad improvements in a child’s overall functioning. It emphasizes the use of motivational interventions to engage learners in meaningful and contextually relevant activities by allowing the child with autism spectrum disorder to monitor his or her behavioral responses by learning how to self-regulate and motivate the child.
What is Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
Pivotal response training reduces self-stimulating behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder, which can hinder the interaction process, especially when parents, teachers, and peers attempt to interact with the child.
Pivotal response training (PRT) targets four areas:
- Motivation
- Responding to multiple cues
- Self-Management
- Initiation of social interaction
Focusing on these areas will improve the child’s performance in other areas. like, Social communication skills, Building desired behaviors and building academic skills.
Rewards for positive behaviors should be tied to the child’s behavior during the interaction. Example, If a child is having difficulty communicating and tries to request a specific food, the attempt should be rewarded, even if the behavior is not ideal, with the same request instead of a reward unrelated to the request.
Pivotal response training can be applied to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders in a variety of different settings. Including home and school.
History of the pivotal response training approach
This approach was developed by Dr. Robert L. Koegel and Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel at Stanford University in the 1970s. Pivotal response training was originally called a natural language model, But it has been applied to other behavioral changes in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, And not just to encourage the use of language.
A report was published in 2010, The report notes that there are nine single-subject studies that support the pivotal response training approach as an evidence-based practice for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Between the ages of 2 and 16 years. Pivotal response training has been used for children with autism spectrum disorder who are 5 years of age or younger. Research has shown that 85% to 90% of these children have developed verbal communication skills through communication with parents, teachers, peers, and caregivers.
How is pivotal response training performed?
There are six stimulus procedures used in pivotal response training: through:
- Giving children control over their educational experiences
- Attract the child’s attention
- Providing clear opportunities for the child to respond, Like exchanging roles
- diversify tasks, And maintaining previous skills when learning new skills
- Use both reinforcement in the natural environment and conditioned reinforcement
- Promoting attempts to learn new skills
Apply pivotal response training during the session
- A parent or specialist provides specific instructions.
- The child must choose the reinforcer. like, car.
- A parent or therapist encourages the desired behavior, Like ordering a car.
- A parent or therapist models the desired behavior, such as saying out loud, “Can I have the car please?” Then provide reinforcement for the child’s attempt to carry out the desired behavior.
It is important to note that play when training a child to train a pivotal response during a session can be much less structured than other ABA approaches. Where the child is given control options during the session, The parent or therapist reinforces the desired behaviors.
What is the existing evidence for the effectiveness of pivotal response training?
Many scientific studies have shown that pivotal response training can target specific behaviors, However, few studies support this approach by improving behaviors that are not directly targeted. Whereas, if behaviors are not central during training, It does not lead to increased desired behaviors, and pivotal response training may not be as effective as claimed. However, as part of the applied behavior analysis approach it can be effective in some circumstances.
Other studies show that pivotal response training is effective in improving other areas. Such as social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder compared to other more structured applied behavior analysis approaches.
One study published in 2014 showed that children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who participated gained better skills in the target areas and overall pragmatic skills. Including the self-regulation skill of initiating social situations and how to use appropriate context in social situations, How to build relationships, Reducing stereotypical language.
The primary goal of pivotal response training is to reinforce pivotal behaviors. Which are crucial and essential for learning and development, Move children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder toward a typical developmental trajectory by targeting a wide range of behaviors and producing generalization effects that go beyond the specific skills taught to help the child have the opportunity to live a meaningful life in a normal, holistic environment.
Ref
https://elemy.wpengine.com/studio/aba-terms/pivotal-response-training
