An Empirical Evaluation of the Disequilibrium Model to Increase Independent Seatwork for an Individual Diagnosed with Autism

Abstract

This brief practice is an evaluation of work output predicted by Timberlake's (1980) disequilibrium model. Jacobs, Morford, King, and Hayes (2017) provided a downloadable, online tool using the disequilibrium model to assist practitioners in maximizing intervention outcomes. The disequilibrium model was used to predict the duration of independent seatwork for Marvin, a 17-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The disequilibrium model effectively predicted a work duration that Marvin was compliant with throughout the study. Practitioners should consider using the disequilibrium tool to select intervention parameters.