Training Staff to Provide Quality Support for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommended Practices and Target Skills

Abstract

Many adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receive support from staff within human service agencies. Those staff, and especially personnel in direct service roles, usually require training to ensure they have the skills to provide desired support in a quality manner. Staff training is particularly important in regard to adults with severe symptoms of ASD who require more staff support than individuals with less significant ASD challenges. This paper describes training of front-line, human service staff in key performance skills for providing quality support for adults with severe symptoms of ASD. A summary of performance- and competency-based behavioral skills training is initially provided as a means of ensuring staff acquire skills to fulfill job expectations. A description of skills that warrant training based on behavior analytic research involving adults with severe ASD symptoms is then presented. The targeted skills focus on how to provide meaningful day activities tailored for adults with severe symptoms of ASD, teach in a naturalistic manner in light of common staffing characteristics of adult service settings, promote daily happiness, provide beneficial social attention, and treat adults with ASD in general with dignity. The important yet qualified role of staff training in the overall provision of quality support is also emphasized.