Pivotal Response Training for Autism
(PRT-C Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of pivotal response training (PRT) in an intensive center-based environment to treat social communication deficits in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants have stable treatment, including medications, for at least 1 month before starting and no changes are expected during the study. So, you should not stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C) for autism?
Research shows that Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) can effectively improve communication and social skills in children with autism. Studies have found that children receiving PRT showed greater improvements in social-communicative skills and overall functioning compared to those receiving usual treatments.12345
How is Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) different from other treatments for autism?
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is unique because it is a naturalistic behavioral intervention that focuses on improving communication and social skills in children with autism by targeting pivotal areas of a child's development, such as motivation and response to multiple cues. Unlike some other treatments, PRT is designed to be flexible and can be integrated into everyday activities, making it more adaptable to individual needs and settings.12367
Research Team
Antonio Hardan, MD
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for preschoolers aged 2 to almost 4 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who have a developmental delay and are English-speaking. They should be on stable treatment without changes expected during the study, and must not have had an adequate trial of Pivotal Response Treatment before.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Intensive Center-Based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C) consisting of one weekly 60-minute individual parent training session and 12 weekly hours with the child in a center-based therapy environment
Delayed Treatment Group (DTG)
Participants receive treatment as usual, with the option to receive PRT-C in a preschool setting after the controlled phase
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C)
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C) is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
John & Marcia Goldman Foundation
Collaborator