Treating adaptive living skills of persons with autism using applied behavior analysis: A review

Work, self-help, leisure, and hygiene skill deficits are often associated with Autistic Disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by pervasive impairments in socialization, communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors or interests. A number of interventions have been established to assist individuals with these impairments. This paper is a review of the use of techniques specific to applied behavior analysis (ABA) as an intervention for these adaptive living skill deficits for individuals with autism. The current status and future directions for research are discussed.

► Applied behavior analysis (ABA) offers many techniques effective in improving the many adaptive skill deficits possessed by persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
► Researchers to date have shown techniques such as graduated guidance, interruption of incorrect actions, and positive reinforcement to assist in the improvement in deficits in various areas including work, self-help, leisure, and hygiene.
► There is a need for more research on interventions for adaptive skill impairments among the ASD population.