The effect of the pivotal response training program to the increasing social and communication skills of children with autism

One of the methods used for treatment of autistic children in the framework of behavioral approaches is Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) which is used to improve social interactions and communicative skills in autistic children. This treatment method is inexpensive and educable for autism trainers and parents. This study aimed at determining the effect of PRT in increasing communicative and social skills of autistic children in Ilam city. For this aim, owing to the small size of the population the sample group was selected based on convenient sampling from among students of Specific Education Center and Shams non-governmental center in Ilam city. The sample comprised of 21 autistic students in kindergarten and primary levels in the governmental and private centers in Ilam city 20 of which were selected according to convenient sampling. The instrument used in this study was GARS test which comprises of 4 subscales namely stereotypical behaviors, communication, social interactions and developmental disorders. The scores in pretest and posttest were compared through t-test. The results showed that PRT increases social interaction and communication and decreases stereotypical behaviors and developmental disorders in autistic children. It is recommended this inexpensive and considerable method be taught as an educational and treatment method for to use the chances and opportunities that occur for autistic children well.