Effectiveness of behavioral skills training on staff performance in a job training setting for high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Few studies have focused on improving staff performance in naturalistic training settings for high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Behavioral skills training, consisting of group instruction and supervisory feedback, was used to improve staff performance on (a) providing positive reinforcement, (b) providing error correction, and (c) initiating opportunities for students to show the target response (i.e. asking for help). Also changes in students’ target response and generalization of staff performance were evaluated. Data were collected in a multiple baseline design across three staff skills. There were improvements in all staff skills and changes in ‘error correction’ as a result of intervention were statistically significant. Improvements in staff skills were maintained over time. Effects of intervention on students’ target responses and generalization of staff performance, however, were limited. Staff evaluated the intervention as effective and acceptable. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.