Exploring the Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Behavioral Skills Training to Teach Interview Skills to Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Interviewing for jobs is a challenge for many young adults with autism spectrum disorders, potentially due to deficient social repertoires and anxiety about the application process. While there is research on the efficacy of behavioral skills training for workplace behaviors, there is limited research on management strategies for covert behaviors that may interfere with the process of obtaining a job, such as feelings of anxiety. This study investigated the efficacy of a brief acceptance and commitment training protocol and behavioral skills training on simulated interview performance for three young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Mindfulness and defusion exercises were implemented prior to a mock job interview, and performance was measured. Behavioral skills training was added to the instructional package if criterion of the skill was not met. The ACT protocol produced some improvements in performance, but BST was required for all three participants to master the skills. All of the participants not only demonstrated a skilled interviewing repertoire upon conclusion of the experiment but either interviewed for, or obtained, an actual employment position. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of ACT strategies for teaching new skills, especially in stressful environments.