Pivotal response treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of research quality

Abstract

Objective: Research has indicated support for pivotal response treatment (PRT) as an effective, efficacious and naturalistic intervention for communication and social functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previously not undertaken, this article describes a systematic evaluation of the adherence of PRT research studies to standards of ASD research quality.

Method: A systematic search was conducted on two databases. Seventeen PRT studies were evaluated on their use of seven specified research standards.

Results: Strong adherence to research quality standards was demonstrated in the use of standardized protocols, systematic application of intervention procedures, inter-rater reliability and objective evaluators. Variation was found in adherence to treatment fidelity standards and in the use of longitudinal designs. Only two studies implemented comparison designs.

Conclusion: It is recommended that researchers compare interventions, use longitudinal designs, better describe their methodology and implement greater adherence to treatment fidelity to enhance research quality and strengthen conclusions.

• ASD
• intervention
• PRT
• research quality
• systematic review

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.