Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is an evidence-based intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) derived from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and based on naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) principles. PRT targets pivotal areas of a child’s development, including motivation, social initiations, responding to multiple cues, and self-management, thereby producing more widespread and generalized progress. PRT focuses on embedding learning opportunities throughout daily routines for fun and effective learning.

PRT almost always includes parent education so that treatment can be implemented throughout a child’s daily routines. PRT can also be implemented in schools, parks, grocery stores, and other community settings. Numerous single-case design studies as well as a few randomized controlled trials have been conducted to demonstrate the effects of PRT on child communication. PRT has also been shown in several small studies to improve aspects of social functioning including initiations, joint attention, conversation, and peer interaction, and to reduce challenging behavior. In their 2009 and 2015 reviews of empirical evidence supporting various treatments for ASD, the National Autism Center’s National Standards Project classified PRT as an “established intervention” for treatment of ASD symptoms.

This is a self-paced online course. The program is intended for individuals who want to learn how to apply Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) to improve a young child's verbal communication skills during daily routines at home and in community settings. 

Each of the 11 Lessons includes an instructional video (typically 20-25 min in length) detailing an aspect of PRT application and providing practical examples to help you start practicing. Links to several worksheets are embedded to help you apply what you are learning right away. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions section for some common troubleshooting tips. 

Following completion of the online course, you will have the opportunity to upload a 10-minute video recording of yourself practicing PRT with a child and will receive written feedback related to PRT motivational components.

Please note, course material will be most directly applicable for parents of young children (2 - 5 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program focuses on communication skills and is appropriate for families of children who have some verbal words, but do not yet consistently communicate using full sentences.

This online course is designed to provide education and training on Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) components. It does not include clinical treatment for parents or children and does not replace any therapy programs that a family may be receiving.

The online course offers multiple participation options.  You can enroll as a traditional participant, or you may enroll in our research track.  Enrolling in the research track provides full access to the course free of charge.

The research track is available to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and communication delay between the ages of 2 and 5 years 11 months are invited to participate. The parents of the participant must be willing to complete assessments, home videos, and be able to complete the PRT-O Online Course (PRT-O). You will be randomized into the PRT-O group or DTG (Delayed Treatment Group).  DTG will consist of the child’s treatments as usual in the community, and measurements and questionnaires will need to be filled out twice over the course of the 12 weeks. After completion of the DTG, the participant will be offered the PRT-O Online Course.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Pivotal Response Treatment (25 min)

Lesson 2: Motivational Variables Part 1 - Clear Prompts and Contingent Reinforcement (32 min)

Lesson 3: Motivational Variables Part 2 - Child Choice and Natural Reinforcers (25 min)

Lesson 4: Motivational Variables Part 3 - Task Variation and Reinforcing Attempts (24 min)

Lesson 5: Overview of Motivational Components (7 min)

Lesson 6: Incidental Teaching and Setting up the Environment (30 min)

Lesson 7: Trajectory of Language Development – Early Language (19 min)

Lesson 8: Trajectory of Language Development – Word Combinations and Complex Speech (17 min)

Lesson 9: Teaching Question Asking (10 min)

Lesson 10: Fidelity of PRT Implementation (32 min)

Lesson 11: PRT Video Submission Guidelines (11 min)

For professionals working with children with ASD and their parents.

Course Outline 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Pivotal Response Treatment (25 min)

Lesson 2: Motivational Variables Part 1 - Clear Prompts and Contingent Reinforcement (32 min)

Lesson 3: Motivational Variables Part 2 - Child Choice and Natural Reinforcers (25 min)

Lesson 4: Motivational Variables Part 3 - Task Variation and Reinforcing Attempts (24 min)

Lesson 5: Overview of Motivational Components (7 min)

Lesson 6: Incidental Teaching and Setting up the Environment (30 min)

Lesson 7: Trajectory of Language Development – Early Language (19 min)

Lesson 8: Trajectory of Language Development – Word Combinations and Complex Speech (17 min)

Lesson 9: Fidelity of PRT Implementation (32 min)

Lesson 10: PRT Video Submission Guidelines (11 min)

Lesson 11: Training Parents to Implement PRT (36 min)