Publication date: February 2019
Source: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 58
Author(s): Howard P. Wills, Rose Mason, Jonathan M. Huffman, Linda Heitzman-Powell
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are capable of competitive employment and can work successfully in community businesses. However, it is common for individuals with ASD to be unemployed or underemployed at higher rates than other groups with disabilities and the population at large. ASD encompasses a range of behaviors with the potential to interfere with productivity within the workplace. Research has supported management of these behaviors, through methods such as self-monitoring, may improve community access and employment. A singlesubject withdrawal design was utilized to evaluate the functional relationship between implementation of the I-Connect self-monitoring intervention and inappropriate vocalizations, with secondary measurement of work engagement and hair pulling behaviors. An adult female with ASD received training on the use of the I-Connect self-monitoring application in her work place medical records setting. Introduction of the I-Connect self-monitoring application resulted in an immediate decrease in inappropriate vocalizations. Social validity measures suggest the application was easy to utilize and may be beneficial in increasing a person’s perceived ability to regulate inappropriate vocalizations in a work environment.