Autism behavior therapy is a type of treatment that is used to help children with autism improve their social skills and communication abilities. Autism behavior therapy is based on the premise that children with autism can learn new skills and behaviors if they are given the right support and motivation. It involves a team of professionals who work with the child on a regular basis, including a behavior analyst, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. The team works together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual child's needs. Read ahead to learn more about the different types of autism behavior therapy.

Pivotal Response Training

Pivotal response training (PRT) focuses on key areas of development, such as communication and social skills, and works to reinforce positive behaviors while reducing negative ones. It was first developed in the 1970s, and over the past four decades, it has become one of the most widely used forms of autism behavior therapy. Numerous studies have shown that PRT is an effective treatment for autism, and it is now recommended by many leading autism organizations. If you are considering behavior therapy for your child with autism, pivotal response training is an evidence-based approach that can provide lasting benefits.

Incidental Training

Incidental training, also known as naturalistic teaching, employs the use of everyday activities to promote skills development. For example, a child who is being taught how to brush their teeth may also be working on tasks such as following instructions, imitating behaviors, and making transitions. While the focus of incidental training is on skill development, the natural setting also provides opportunities for learning through observation and exploration. Incidental training has been shown to be an effective intervention for promoting skills in children with autism, and it can be easily incorporated into everyday activities.

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) focuses on intensive, individualized instruction for children during their late toddler years. The goal of this therapy is to reduce autism symptoms and to encourage the development of new skills. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention has been found to be one of the most effective treatment options in autism behavior therapy when it is implemented early.

Discrete Trial Training

Discrete trial training involves breaking down skills into small, manageable steps and then teaching each step separately. The therapist then provides repeated trials of each step until the child learns the skill. Autism behavior therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for autism spectrum disorder, and it can help children improve their social and communication skills.