Using applied behavior analysis and smart technology for meeting the health needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with intellectual disabilities often have special healthcare concerns such as diabetes, kidney disease, severe allergies, progressive illnesses, respiratory weaknesses, and obesity. Smart technology can be an asset for individuals with intellectual disabilities for better managing their healthcare needs. METHODS: A critical review of the literature related to applied behavior analysis, smart technology, and health needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities was conducted. RESULTS: This discussion paper describes factors that contribute to the successful use of smart technology for the health issues of individuals with intellectual disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: We see key components in developing appropriate access and use of smart technology for the health of people with intellectual disabilities being: (a) systematic instructional methods for consistent and accurate use of the technology, (b) modifying the current technology for people with intellectual disabilities,

Understanding stalking behaviors by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and recommended prevention strategies for school settings.

Stalking behavior among some students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is of concern both for the individual being stalked as well as the student with ASDs. This manuscript reviews effective interventions based upon functional assessment and appropriate positive behavior supports. Specific interventions for addressing staking behavior by students with ASDs are analyzed and evaluated with suggestions for best practice for instructional procedures. Interventions covered are social skills groups, video modeling, self-management, video feedback, rule governed behavior, scripts, visual supports, counseling, psychopharmacology and reducing the amount of isolating interests and activities while increasing more opportunities for integration. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

The use of auditory prompting systems for increasing independent performance of students with autism in employment training.

In this study a self-operated auditory prompting system is introduced to determine if it can increase the on-task behavior for two students with autism participating in an employment training program. In addition, the amount of prompts provided by support staff is measured. The self-operated auditory prompting system consisted of tape recordings of music interspersed with prompts of self-evaluation and encouragement related to the job tasks being performed in the employment setting. The results of the study indicated a potential positive relationship between the self-operated auditory prompting system and the on-task behavior of the participants as well as a positive relationship between the decreased amounts of prompts used by support staff.

A review of research on natural support interventions in the workplace for people with disabilities.

Natural supports for workers with disabilities involve using co-workers, supervisors and other supports intrinsic to the job setting to facilitate job skill acquisition, maintenance and integration. The purpose of this article is to review the empirical literature related to natural supports in the workplace for increasing integration and to offer guidelines for implementation. The sources used are case studies and empirical research. Conclusions are offered in terms of limitations of current research, needs for future research and the changing roles of supported employment services.