Open AccessAn Evaluation of Assistive Technology in Determining Job-Specific Preference for Adults With Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
Author(s) -
Edith Walsh,
Helena Lydon,
Jennifer Holloway
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
behavior analysis in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2196-8934
pISSN - 1998-1929
DOI - 10.1007/s40617-019-00380-3
Subject(s) - preference , autism , psychology , intellectual disability , applied psychology , autism spectrum disorder , assistive technology , developmental psychology , computer science , psychiatry , human–computer interaction , economics , microeconomics
The transition to employment can be difficult for adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs). Currently, a limited number of ASD-specific career-planning tools exist within the literature, creating a challenge in terms of accurately identifying jobs that match individual preferences and strengths. This study evaluated the effects of a technology-based prework assessment on job performance among 3 adults with ASD and ID, aged 20-21 years prior to beginning supported employment. Three job conditions were established: a high-preference, high-skill-match job; a high-preference, low-skill-match job; and a low-preference, low-skill-match job. The 3 job conditions were evaluated using an alternating-treatments design with supported-employment sessions counterbalanced across a 6-week period. The results indicated that the high-preference job conditions produced higher levels of job performance irrespective of skill match. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.