The PRT Pocket Guide

Pivotal Response Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders

by Robert L. Koegel, Ph.D. and Lynn Kern Koegel, Ph.D. Koegel Autism Center University of California, Santa Barbara with invited contributor

Contents

• About the Authors
• For the Reader
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction

I What Is the P in PRT?

1. Treatment of Pivotal Areas
2. How to Teach the Pivotal Area of Motivation
3. How to Get Rid of Disruptive Behavior
4. How to Teach the Pivotal Area of Self-Initiation

II How and When to Implement Treatment

5. Maximizing Family Involvement
6. How to Minimize Parent Stress
7. Treatment and Assessment in Natural Environments
8. Making Data Collection Easy in PRT.

References

Index

About the Authors

Robert L. Koegel, Ph.D.,

has focused his career in the area of autism, specializing in language intervention, family support, and school inclusion. Dr. Robert L. Koegel is Director of the Koegel Autism Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has published more than 200 articles and papers relating to the treatment of autism and has trained many health care and special education leaders.

Lynn Kern Koegel, Ph.D.,

is Director of Clinical Services at the Koegel Autism Center and Director of the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Center for Asperger’s Research. She has developed programs to improve communication in children with autism, including first words and social conversation. The Koegels have received numerous awards for their contribution to the field of autism treatment.

Introduction

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is one of the few evidence-based approaches for the treatment of autism. This approach is supported by research that meets the standards set by many professional agencies. Families can’t afford to go up blind alleys with treatment procedures that sound good but have no evidence to support their effectiveness in helping children with autism. Early intervention is effective because it prevents long-standing habits or dysfunctions. PRT focuses on core underlying areas critical for children with autism, most notably motivation to engage in social communication.

The procedures of PRT were developed over many years, and hundreds of studies show their effectiveness. PRT is based on behavioral intervention methods and has been shown to make significant changes, with positive results replicated across different settings and researchers.

Summary of Evidence Supporting PRT

1. Empirical evidence separates effective approaches from less effective ones.
2. Certifying agencies require professionals to use scientifically-backed methods.
3. Insurance companies refuse to reimburse treatments without scientific evidence.
4. Using untested approaches can risk worsening symptoms of autism.

This book presents scientifically based and practical intervention procedures that are easy and fun to implement, producing valuable treatment gains for children with autism.