Supporting adults with autism spectrum disorders in the ... - IOS Press

114 C.M. Schall / PBS: Supporting adults with ASD in the workplaceior. The true success of the plan was that DJ’s job wasmore secure after than prior to the implementation ofPBS.4. Directions for future researchThis paper has reviewed the research on employmentcharacteristics and supports for persons with ASD,described the PBS approach, and presented a case todemonstrate the application of PBS at work. Despitethe finding that PBS is an evidence-based practice forindividuals with ASD, there is little research confirmingthat finding in workplace settings [7, 34]. Giventhe challenges that individuals with ASD confront atwork, researching the implementation of PBS at workis a critical research priority. There are many questionsthat arise in this context. First, I proposed thatassessing behavior and implementing positive behaviorsupports in the workplace may present challengesthat could interfere with the daily operation of the business.Thus the first question is; what assessments andwhat types of work supports are most likely to increasesuccess in the work place without disruption? Second,what array of supports will lead to independence, orbetter said, interdependence at work? It is unreasonableto expect employers to implement highly stylizedbehavioral interventions, thus the concept of contextualfit is an important one [1]. What are the types of assessments,interventions, and data collection proceduresthat are most acceptable to employers? Individuals withASD have demonstrated an increased need for intensityacross their lifespan, from early childhood throughadulthood. Yet, the availability of supports diminishesgreatly in adulthood. Therefore, from a policy perspective,what services are necessary to prepare and supportindividuals with ASD at work? Finally, what work supportmodels result in the highest level of successfulplacement for individuals with ASD?Most adults without disabilities define themselves bytheir work. Work is, arguably one of the most importantendeavors in which humans engage. Yet, researchregarding individuals with ASD has largely focusedon supports for toddlers and young children betweenthe ages of three to six [21]. Clearly, it is a priority toidentify the skills and supports necessary to increaseindividuals with ASD’s participation in employment.As demonstrated through out the school life of childrenand youth with ASD, PBS is a highly successful interventionthat results in significant reductions in problembehavior [7]. There is every reason to believe that PBSwill play an important role in the adult work lives ofindividuals with ASD.References[1] R.W. Albin, J.M. Lucyshyn, R.H. 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