Parent Implementation of Structured Work Systems on Child Acquisition of Independence Skills through Family Preferred Routines

Abstract

Evidence-based practices have been identified for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the co-occurrence of ASD and visual impairments (VI), it is critical that the effectiveness of these practices be assessed with children who have ASD and VI. Structured work systems have not been evaluated for children with ASD and VI. Structured work systems have been identified as evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD under the category of visual supports. Additionally, while parent-implemented interventions have proven effective for children with multiple disabilities, parent-implemented interventions are most often researched with young children with insufficient focus on maintenance and generalization. Using a multiple baseline across routines, this study assesses the effectiveness of structured work systems implemented by a parent on independence in skills for a child with ASD and VI. Parent-implemented structured work system were effective across three routines, maintained at 1, 2, and 3 weeks post treatment, and generalized to another parent and new materials.