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 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.*

The online course offers multiple participation options.  You can enroll as a parent/caregiver participant, or you may enroll in our professional track if applicable.

Please note, course material is 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.

*At this time, we are not able to provide video feedback for participants residing outside of the United States. For US residents, we can provide feedback on recorded interactions where participants are speaking English or Spanish.

There is also a research track available for parents of children with ASD and communication delay between the ages of 2 and 5 years 11 months. Please refer to the "Research Opportunity for Online PRT Training" section below for details. 

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder aged 2 to 5 years 11 months are invited to participate in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of the Online Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-O) Training.  Participants must be willing to complete assessments, submit home videos, and be randomized into the PRT-O group or DTG (Delayed Treatment Group).  Families randomized to DTG will continue the child’s existing treatments in the community, and complete measurements and questionnaires twice over the course of the 12-week waiting period. After completion of the DTG, participants will be offered the full PRT-O Online Course.

Eligible research participants will receive a waiver of the $150 registration fee for the online PRT training.

Please click HERE for detailed information on the study.

También ofrecemos a las familias la oportunidad de participar en un estudio de investigación sobre la efectividad del Tratamiento de Respuesta Pivotal en Línea en Español. Haga click aqui para registrarse en el studio.

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)