New therapy will help enhance communication skills in children with language delays

A group of researchers from the Stanford University have found out that a behavioural therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) will help to enhance communication skills of children with autism, especially for those who have delayed speech and language. This is indeed good news for parents and therapists from across the world.

Early intervention and diagnosis can work like magic for children with autism. Similarly, therapies are extremely important for the child to become independent and have a good quality of life. Most children under autism spectrum disorder will have delayed language development. A group of researchers from Stanford University in the United States of America have found out that a behavioural therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) will help to enhance communication skills of children with autism, especially those who have delayed speech and language.

Researchers point out that if parents and therapists work together in introducing PRT to the child, it can help them in many ways. This therapy mostly motivates the child to talk, even though they might face some struggles. For instance, they will be taught the name of their favourite food. But the food will be given to them only if they ask for it. That way, the child is involuntarily urged to talk. The study was conducted on over 23 children with autism in a span of over six months and it worked very well.

Great to have more language intervention research for young children with Autism: A Pivotal Response Treatment Package for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder-Edwin Williamson, Child Psychiatrist.

According to researchers, it is always best if parents can be trained on how to do PRT effectively on their child. Since they spend more time with kids at home, parents can keep using it often and urge the child to communicate. Reportedly, doing PRT regularly has shown to reduce symptoms of autism in children under the spectrum.

For a child, being able to communicate is very important. Over the years, studies have shown many therapies and methods to enhance communication skills of children with autism. Parents have to be aware of all these steps so that their child can make the maximum out of it.
“Interesting study but emphasis needs to be on communication not just speech. New research indicates pivotal response treatment #PRT aids speech development in autistic kids”, tweeted Sara.

Also Read: New study says kids with autism more likely to be picky eaters

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