Efficacy of Pivotal Response Training in Management of Visual Conceptual Deficits in Adult Autistic Population

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Recent years have witnessed revolutionized increase in number of Autistic individuals. With world-wide prevalence rate ranging from 7-13 cases per 10,000. In India, the occurrence is approximately 1 in 500 people . Among various impairments seen in Autism, visual conceptual deficit is the one which leads to impaired complex information processing and task shifting activities; leading to difficulties in executive functions. The aim of the present study was to examine visual conceptual deficit in these individuals and subsequently give a therapy which aims at reducing this deficit. METHOD: 40 adults with Autism, both male and female satisfying the inclusion criteria was included for the study (age 30-50 years). Their visual conceptual deficit was measured using Comprehensive Trail Making Test. Thereafter, they were subjected to Pivotal Response Training for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of the therapy the effectiveness of Pivotal Response Training was re-evaluated using Comprehensive Trail Making Test. RESULTS: The subjects showed an improvement in multitask performance post pivotal response training and also significant improvement in visual conceptualization i.e. visual tracking and visual set shifting tasks. Conclusion: The findings in the present study focus a new light on the efficacy of Pivotal Response Training in improvement of visual conceptual deficit in adults with Autism.