Treatment of social behavior in autism through the modification of pivotal social skills.

Two children with autism learned pivotal social skills in a small study.

The team used a multiple-baseline design. They taught skills like turn-taking and showing toys.

Sessions happened at a table with toys and an adult coach.

Both kids quickly used the taught skills with the adult.

Untreated social behaviors also improved. The gains spread to new toys and people.

Pear et al. (1984) got the same spread of skills earlier, but they used radios and gum instead of pivotal targets.

Mueller et al. (2000) later swapped the adult coach for a whole class of peer buddies. Gains still doubled, showing the idea works even when kids teach kids.

Dogan et al. (2017) moved the work into living rooms. Parents gave the BST lessons and kids kept their new skills for a month.

You do not need to teach every social move. Pick one pivotal skill like sharing or turn-taking. When that skill blooms, other friendly behaviors often follow. Try starting with one short play routine and watch for bonus behaviors you never drilled.