Evidence Based Procedures
for Individuals with Autism
Visual Schedules
Schedules are an effective based procedure recognized by the National Autism Center. Visual Activity Schedules (VAS) are a series of images or pictures that represent a sequence of events. The purpose of it is to prepare the individual for the next activity within the sequence. VAS can be used for all ages with individuals with mild to severe ASD. They are used to generalize, maintain and improve skills in a variety of settings such as the general education setting, resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, within the community and in the home. “Specifically, VAS can be used: (a) to teach on-task, on-schedule, and appropriate and independent transitions; (b) to improve latency to task from task direction, percentage of correctly completed responses, task, or task analysis steps; and (c) decrease level of prompts necessary for transitions” (Knight, Sartini & Spriggs, 2014, p.173). Schedules help to reduce problem behaviors specifically tantrums caused by transitions (Knight, Sartini & Spriggs, 2014).
Pivotal Response Treatment
Peer Training
A common intervention used with individuals with ASD is peer training. This involves typically developing peers modeling appropriate social behavior. Peer modeling is considered an evidence-based practice by both the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the National Standards Project. A number of behavioral modification techniques can be used with this intervention. Peer Training has been proven to improve social behaviors and peer interaction. These improvements are seen in skills such as commenting, requesting, non-verbal communication, and turn-taking. It is important that individuals with ASD interact with their typical peers in natural setting whether it be in school, during leisure activities, or in the community (Mcfadden, Kamps, & Heitzman-Powell, 2014).
Where to find services in your area
Brett DiNovi & Associates
1771 Springdale Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone: (856)-628-1686
The Learning Well LLC
50 Budd Ave.
Pemberton, NJ 08068
Phone: (609)-315-5992
The New Behavioral Network
2 Pin Oak Lane
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone: (856)-669-0211
Amazing Transformations
503 White Horse Pike
Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
Phone: 1- (888)- 859-7749
References
Knight, V., Sartini, E., & Spriggs, A. (2014). Evaluating Visual Activity Schedules as Evidence-Based Practice for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 157-178. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
Mcfadden, B., Kamps, D., & Heitzman-Powell, L. (2014). Social communication effects of peer-mediated recess intervention for children with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1699-1712. Retrieved April 23, 2015.