Presentation Overview

Using PRT-Based Motivational Strategies to Teach First Words to Young Autistic Children

Early communication differences in young children, including the absence of spoken language, have been widely recognized as a core feature of autism spectrum disorder and have been shown to be predictive of future social, adaptive, and academic outcomes. This presentation will review the application of Pivotal Response Treatment strategies incorporated within naturalistic and play-based interactions to facilitate the development of first words in young autistic children. Key components such as shared control, reinforcement of communicative attempts, using natural reinforcement, and interspersing maintenance and acquisition tasks, will be described and clinical video examples provided. Additionally, prompting and prompt-fading strategies that promote spontaneous communication and reduce prompt dependency will be reviewed. Practical recommendations will be provided throughout the presentation to support RBTs and other early intervention providers in implementing this evidence-based, NDBI approach for teaching spoken language to minimally verbal young autistic children.

Learning Objectives

What you'll learn...after completing this presentation, participants will be able to

  • Describe the core components of Pivotal Response Treatment and explain how these evidence-based strategies can facilitate early language acquisition in young autistic children.

  • Identify naturally occurring communication opportunities and create contrived opportunities to teach communication during play and daily routines using PRT strategies.

  • Describe prompting and prompt fading procedures used to promote the development of spontaneous first words in young autistic children.

Continuing Education

The NDBI Navigator is an approved continuing education provider for the BACB, QABA, and IBAO.

Professionals from other disciplines will receive a professional development certificate, which they can submit to their respective licensing boards for consideration.

Your Presenter

Ariella Parker, PhD, BCBA-D

Dr. Ariella Parker holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (doctoral level) who specializes in facilitating early language acquisition and increasing social communication skills and social engagement in young autistic children. Ariella has over 25 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, with her clinical focus emphasizing Naturalistic Developmental and Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), including Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT). Ariella is passionate about the teaching and dissemination of NDBI practices, and in cultivating exceptional clinicians to provide the highest quality care for autistic children and their families. She currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for Willow ABA Services

Presentation Content

  1. 1

    • About the Presentation

    • Meet Dr. Ariella Parker

    • Professional Practice Reminder

    • Video: Using PRT-Based Motivational Strategies to Teach First Words to Young Autistic Children

    • Quiz

    • Survey