Table 2.

Elements of an example transactional “ABA” treatment (pivotal response teaching).

CUE

Child attention

Gain child’s attention before providing cue

Clear and appropriate

Provide related, clear and developmentally appropriate cues

Child choice

Allow child a choice of activity or materials

Take turns

Take turns by modeling appropriate behavior

Maintenance tasks

Intersperse tasks the child has already mastered

Multiple cues

Provide cues that require responding to multiple elements

Child behavior (correct, incorrect, and attempt)

RESPONSE

Contingent

Provide appropriate consequences based on child’s behavior

Direct reinforcement

Provide reinforcement directly related to the child’s behavior

Good trying

Reinforce child’s goal directed attempts