Reducing Interfering Behaviors for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Common employment barriers for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been well documented in past and current research. The social-communicative deficits and rigidity of behaviors associated with ASD are often cited as reasons for not being hired, as well as, explanations for failures once in the job market. Effective behavioral practices, however, have demonstrated positive effects for addressing social behaviors and flexibility in individuals with ASD across the lifespan. Discrete trial training (DTT) and video-feedback are instructional strategies with large evidence-bases demonstrating their effectiveness among learners with ASD. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of isolating nonverbal behaviors associated with these identified barriers and implementing effective behavioral practices to help reduce them. By using simple ABA strategies, DTT and video-feedback, with participants of a supported employment program, we aim to demonstrate the importance of the generalizability of these strategies to a different population. In addition, several important social validity measures regarding these behaviors will be addressed.