Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT)

Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT)

Functional communication training is an essential component of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Having appropriate language skills as a tool naturally helps reduce maladaptive behaviors by enabling children to express their wants and needs more effectively. Like many other skills targeted in ABA therapy, teaching language in a natural environment is a meaningful way to promote learning and generalization.

Using Motivation to Promote Language Development

Manipulating the environment based on a child’s motivating operation (MO)—the drive behind their behavior—creates valuable opportunities for language development. Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT) does exactly that (Association for Science in Autism Treatment, 2020).

One effective strategy is using naturally occurring reinforcers in response to language expression. Instead of providing an arbitrary reward for speaking, PRT ensures that reinforcement is directly related to the child’s communication.

Teaching Mands Through PRT

A mand is a verbal request for something. All mands are motivated by an MO, meaning the child has a desire for a specific item or action.

Example 1: If a child says, "Juice, please," they should receive juice, not milk.
Example 2: If a child requests to turn the volume down, the response should be lowering the volume, not turning it off.

By reinforcing verbal behavior with naturally occurring consequences, therapists help generalize language skills. This teaches children that using words effectively helps them achieve their goals more efficiently than passive behaviors or maladaptive actions.

Tacting: Labeling Objects and Emotions

Another form of verbal behavior is tacting, which refers to labeling or identifying items and concepts.

Example: When shown different facial expressions, a child might point to a baby crying and say “Sad” or see a laughing boy and say “Happy.”
Other Examples: Labeling animals, colors, and shapes in everyday environments.

By integrating these natural learning opportunities, children develop language skills in a way that feels relevant and meaningful to them.

Supporting Non-Vocal Communication

It is important to remember that verbal language does not always mean vocal language. Many children use alternative communication methods, such as:

Communication devices (AAC devices)
Sign language
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Therapists should ensure that these communication tools are accessible and visible at all times. A child can only use what they have access to!

Because communication and social goals are central to ABA therapy, using the Natural Language Paradigm (NLP) and being flexible with different forms of communication can increase language-learning opportunities.

Pivotal Response Teaching (PRT) is a powerful approach that leverages a child’s natural motivation to develop functional communication skills. By reinforcing language with relevant, naturally occurring consequences, therapists can help children generalize their skills and reduce frustration-based behaviors. Whether a child uses spoken words, sign language, or AAC devices, ensuring they have access to communication tools empowers them to express their needs and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Reference

Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT). (2020). Pivotal Response Training/Treatment (PRT)/ Natural Language Paradigm (NLP). Retrieved from ASAT Online

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