Teaching Adaptive and Social Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

(from the chapter) The purpose of this chapter is to review intervention strategies that have been researched for teaching adaptive and social skills to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We hope that the chapter will be useful for practitioners and that it will also stimulate further research. Before beginning our review, we briefly describe ASDs. The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities defines adaptive skill development as "the ability to apply basic information learned in school to naturally accruing activities in the school, home or community". A number of different life skills comprise the category of adaptive behaviors, including (a) domestic skills (e.g., chores, meal preparation); (b) self-care (e.g., tooth brushing, toilet training, and dressing); and (c) community skills (e.g., recognition of danger and street crossing). Many of these skills can be found throughout the literature, particularly for teaching individuals with developmental disabilities. For the purposes of this chapter, we will focus solely on domestic, self-care, community, and toileting skills. Among the central concerns experienced by parents of children with ASD is whether their child will lead a productive and independent life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)