Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Telemedicine

Pivotal Response Treatment Telemedicine

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the application of a modified version of PRT designed specifically as a parent-training model via telemedicine, with the goal of increasing access to empirically validated care. The project will feature an 18-week trial of parent training PRT via telemedicine in 12 cognitively able 3- to 6-year-old children with ASD. Intervention will focus on enhancing the following developmental skills: expressive and receptive language, play, and social interaction. Outcome measures will address changes in the aforementioned domains during structured observation and standardized assessment.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the application of a modified version of PRT designed specifically as a parent-training model via telemedicine, with the goal of increasing access to empirically validated care. The project will feature an 18-week trial of parent training PRT via telemedicine in 12 cognitively able 3- to 6-year-old children with ASD. Intervention will focus on enhancing the following developmental skills: expressive and receptive language, play, and social interaction. Outcome measures will address changes in the aforementioned domains during structured observation and standardized assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Fits age requirement: age 3-6 years
• Have been diagnosed previously with ASD and meet criteria for ASD when characterized by research team.
• be in good medical health
• be cooperative with testing
• english is a language spoken in the family
• full scale IQ > 70

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant hearing loss or other severe sensory impairment
• a fragile health status
• a history of significant head trauma or serious brain or psychiatric illness