Teaching students with autism spectrum disorder and moderate intellectual disabilities to use counting-on strategies to enhance independent purchasing skills

The demands of basic math skills often limit the ability of students with autism spectrum disorders to master purchasing skills. This study examined the use of counting-on math skills in conjunction with the next-dollar strategy to enhance independent purchasing skills. Four students with autism and intellectual disabilities successfully acquired and generalized counting-on and next-dollar skills to community settings. Students maintained both skills at a 100% level for up to 6 weeks. Intensifying instruction on functional skills that builds on basic academic skills represents one means of accessing the general education curriculum.