Life-Changing Therapy for Children with Autism

Making eye contact, understanding big words and interacting socially were tough for 5-year-old Victoria Udal. Born on the autism spectrum, she struggled to keep up with her peers.

Her parents turned to the Yale Medicine Child Study Center for help. Pamela Ventola, PhD, one of the center’s autism experts, suggested that Victoria would benefit from pivotal response training (PRT)–a type of play-based therapy that helps children on the spectrum develop language, behavioral and social skills. 

Now, one year later, Victoria’s parents say she has completely transformed. In this short documentary, Ventola and the family reflect on the power of PRT and celebrate Victoria’s entrance into mainstream kindergarten.