Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Autism Spectrum Disorders

What is PRT?

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is one of the most widely researched, evidence-based practices for the treatment of autism. PRT improves skills that are "pivotal" to becoming socially independent and successful. These include:

1. Motivation
2. Spontaneous, flexible, functional use of language and social skills
3. Self-management of behavior
4. Successful participation in extra-curricular activities with typical peers
5. Socialization with typically developing peers outside of school hours

With PRT, Learning occurs through common day-to-day situations using objects and activities that the child enjoys. PRT increases motivation, develops language skills, and improves behavior. Therapy occurs at home, school and other natural environments. Parents play a vital role in PRT. Parents are trained to be the best clinicians for their own child.

PRT therapists and parent educators contribute to a coordinated effort by all people who have a stake in the child's success. Parents, nannies, teachers, siblings, grandparents and peers are taught how to have fun interacting effectively with the child as the child with autism makes progress toward identified treatment goals. Not only has PRT shown remarkable success for children, but it helps families as well. Parental stress has been shown to decrease as a result of PRT, as parents become skilled and empowered in bringing about their child's development.

How successful is PRT?

PRT has been extensively researched and is endorsed by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Autism Center. Ninety percent children who were nonverbal at age 3 and received PRT learned to speak by age 5. PRT is recognized as one of the most effective, scientifically-based treatments for children with autism. For links to research articles demonstrating the effectiveness of PRT, visit the links section of this site.

Why receive PRT from the Chicago Children's Clinic?

Chicago Children's Clinic: National PRT Replication Site

The Chicago Children's Clinic was chosen by the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to be a PRT Replication Site. We are the only certified trainers and providers of PRT in Illinois.

Our clinic collaborates regularly with researchers and clinicians at UCSB to continually improve the quality of the treatment services we provide. Dr. Daniels personally oversees the treatment of every child with autism in our practice.

To see PRT in practice, click on this link: http://www.brookespublishing.com/autism/prt/video.htm
For more information about PRT, please visit http://education.ucsb.edu/autism

How can we get started?

For families in the Chicago area, schedule an initial consultation to determine the specific needs for your child. A therapy and parent education schedule will be determined based on the specific treatment goals discussed during your consultation.

For families outside the Chicago area, schedule an initial telephone consultation, followed by a 3-day intensive workshop in Chicago. After this workshop, parents and other attendees are encouraged to send videos of their work with their child, so follow-up telephone consultations can occur.

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Comprehensive evaluations to uncover the unique strengths and clinical needs of each child

Through expert diagnostic tools and clinical skills, we thoroughly evaluate the child's strengths and needs. We determine the potential presence and appropriate treatment for the following conditions:

• Learning disabilities
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autistic spectrum disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome)
• Giftedness
• Social-emotional conditions
• Developmental difficulties
• Feeding, oral-motor, speech and language difficulties

Based on the findings of our evaluation, we provide clear reports and practical recommendations which may include any or all of the following:

• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Parental support and clinical training
• Qualification for appropriate testing and classroom accommodations and services
• Referrals to our network of highly qualified tutors and specialists

Upon request, we will accompany you at your child's school meetings to ensure that your child's needs are met.

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Individual and family therapy to guide children and families in problem solving and skill-building

Our therapy focuses on bringing out children's strengths. We identify what each child enjoys and in which areas they experience the most success. By assessing their strengths, we determine how to overcome challenges and build progressively on achievements.

Our strategies and techniques are grounded in research and clinical literature, and are adaptable to the unique needs and characteristics of each child and family.

Our therapy is:

• Short-Term
• Solution-Focused
• Behaviorally-Oriented
• Collaborative

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Consultation services to ensure that children are receiving the care and services they need

When children interact with multiple clinical and educational providers, it is important for everyone’s work to complement each other’s to achieve the best outcomes for your child.

Often, children with special needs are receiving care from a large team of school-based and private treatment providers. In these cases, the Chicago Children’s Clinic may be consulted to provide an independent assessment of the child's progress in treatment, and to provide recommendations for where treatment should focus in the future. We frequently are asked to help manage a child's treatment to ensure that everyone is working together in a manner that complements each provider’s strengths.

We provide customized consultations to manage the most complex situations, including:

• Interpretation and review of records
• Second opinions
• Expert testimony
• Training to parents and staff
• Functional Behavior Analysis and Behavior Intervention Plans
• Independent Educational Evaluations
• Referrals to a network of qualified specialists

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Speech and language therapy to help children and adolescents learn to pronounce and understand sounds and words, and communicate effectively

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Professional development for schools, health care professionals, and the community at large

The Chicago Children’s Clinic offers customized training, consultation, and presentations for professionals and the public on a variety of topics, including:

• Autistic spectrum disorders
• ADHD
• Behavior management strategies
• Learning disabilities
• Child and Adolescent Developmental Red Flags
• Special Education
• Feeding and Speech-Language Disorders
• School and district-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for preschools, elementary, middle, and high schools
• Functional Behavior Analysis and Behavior Intervention Plans
• Development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Response To Intervention (RTI)
• Early identification and intervention for learning disabilities
• Pivotal Response Treatment for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Please request a service if you would like information about our professional development opportunities.

NATIONAL REPLICATION & TRAINING SITE FOR PIVOTAL RESPONSE TREATMENT (PRT) FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS
The Chicago Children’s Clinic is the only practice in Illinois certified to train parents and clinicians in PRT. We offer 2 and 3-day intensive workshops where clinicians and parents work side-by-side with our clinicians to learn how to use PRT to teach:

• First words
• Motivation to interact
• Self-management
• Social conversation
• Play skills

Click here to Register for our next PRT Training Session