Quality Activities in Center-Based Programs for Adults with Autism

Quality Activities in Center-Based Programs for Adults with Autism: Moving from Nonmeaningful to Meaningful describes what constitutes meaningful versus nonpurposeful activities for adults with autism and other severe disabilities in a classroom or center-based program. Then this step-by-step guide presents an evidence-based process for changing nonpurposeful activities, using behavior analytic research and application. The goal is to help ensure adults with autism and other severe disabilities are engaged in week-day activities that truly enhance their income-earning capacity, independence with life skills, day-to-day enjoyment, and overall dignity.

• Summarizes the existing state of activities for adults with autism and severe disabilities in center-based programs
• Covers how to empirically assess and monitor participation in meaningful activities
• Details evidence-based procedures for changing existing activities to become more meaningful
• Provides maintenance strategies for ensuring activities continue to be meaningful on a daily basis