Pivotal Response Treatments for Autism
Communication, Social, and Academic Development
By Robert L. Koegel, Ph.D., & Lynn Kern Koegel, Ph.D., with invited contributors



Recognized as one of the top state-of-the-art treatments for autism in the United States,* the innovative Pivotal Response Treatment uses natural learning opportunities to target and modify key behaviors in children with autism, leading to widespread positive effects on communication, behavior, and social skills. The product of 20 years of research from Robert and Lynn Koegel — co-founders of the renowned Autism Research Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara — this proven approach is now clearly presented in one accessible book. Keeping parents involved in every aspect of behavioral intervention, therapists and educators of children from preschool to elementary school will use the research-supported PRT strategies to

• advance children’s communication and language skills, even in extremely challenging cases
  
  
• foster social interactions and friendships with typically developing peers
  
  
• reduce disruptive behaviors by combining functional assessment with self-management strategies
  
  
• aid early identification and intervention
  
  
• reduce ritualistic behaviors and broaden children’s interests
  
  
• improve children’s performance in school activities and on homework assignments

Because PRT works with each child’s natural motivations and stresses functional communication over rote learning, this comprehensive model helps children develop skills they can really use. With this timely resource, educators and therapists will support children with autism as they enjoy more positive interactions, more effective communication, and higher academic achievement in natural, inclusive settings.

* National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, 2001

I. Overview of Pivotal Response Treatment

1. The Basics of Pivotal Response Treatment
   Robert L. Koegel, Daniel Openden, Rosy Matos Fredeen, and Lynn Kern Koegel
   
   
2. A Screening, Training, and Education Program (First S.T.E.P.)
   Lynn Kern Koegel, Nicolette Nefdt, Robert L. Koegel, Yvonne Bruinsma, and Rosy Matos Fredeen
   
   
3. Interventions in General Education Classrooms: One Boy's Story as Seen by His Mother
   Cheryl Fisher
   
   
4. Incorporating Motivational Procedures to Improve Homework Performance
   Robert L. Koegel, Quy H. Tran, Amanda Mossman, and Lynn Kern Koegel
   
   
5. Parent Perspectives of Parent Education Programs
   Jennifer B. Symon, Robert L. Koegel, and George H.S. Singer
   
   
6. Ecocultural Theory and Cultural Diversity in Intervention Programs
   Karen M. Sze and Robert L. Koegel
   
   

7. Developmental Trajectories with Early Intervention
   Robert L. Koegel, Yvonne E.M. Bruinsma, and Lynn Kern Koegel
   
   
8. First Words: Getting Verbal Communication Started
   Robert L. Koegel, Karen M. Sze, Amanda Mossman, Lynn Kern Koegel, and Lauren Brookman-Frazee
   
   
9. The Pivotal Role of Initiations in the Habilitation
   Rosy Matos Fredeen and Robert L. Koegel
   
   

III: Social Development

10. Working with Paraprofessionals to Improve Socialization in Inclusive Settings
    Robert L. Koegel, Eileen F. Klein, Lynn Kern Koegel, Mendy A. Boettcher, Lauren Brookman-Frazee, and Daniel Openden
    
    
11. Play Dates, Social Interactions, and Friendships
    Grace A. Werner, Laurie A. Vismara, Robert L. Koegel, and Lynn Kern Koegel
    
    

IV: Reducing Disruptive Behavior and Broadening Children’s Interests

12. Reducing Ritualistic Behaviors and Broadening Children's Interests
    Robert L. Koegel, Jane Lacy Talebi, and Lynn Kern Koegel
    
    
13. Improving Social-Communication, Empathy, and Pragmatics in Individuals with Asperger Syndrome
    Lynn Kern Koegel, Jane Lacy Talebi, Robert L. Koegel, and Cynthia Carter
    
    
14. Combining Functional Assessment and Self-Management Procedures to Rapidly Reduce Disruptive Behaviors
    Lynn Kern Koegel, Robert L. Koegel, Mendy A. Boettcher, Joshua Harrower, and Daniel Openden

References
Index