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

Abstract

Objectives

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.

Methods

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.

Results

The ACT protocol produced some improvements in performance, but BST was required for all three participants to master the skills.

Conclusions

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.

Appendices

Appendix 1

Behavior	Definition	+ or −
Participant greets interviewer at the beginning of the interview verbally and with a smile	This includes a verbal greeting and can also include a physical greeting of shaking hands or waving and smiles
Participant refrains from visibly fidgeting	Fidgeting includes any repetitive movement that occurs three or more times during the interview. Examples include tapping fingers, playing with hair, or shaking leg.
Participant answers each question promptly	Participant emits a verbal response within 10 seconds after the end of the question.
Participant sits up straight/does not slouch or cross arms at any point during the interview	The participant maintains an upright position during the entire interview.
Participant maintains eye contact while interviewer is speaking	The participant looks at the interviewer’s eyes while the interviewer is speaking. If the participant looks away, it is for no more than 2 s.
Participant maintains eye contact while they are speaking	The participant looks at the interviewer’s eyes while they are speaking. If the participant looks away, it is for no more than 2 s.
Participant speaks clearly	The participant speaks at a steady pace and annunciates words so that each one is understood.
Participant speaks in a neutral or positive tone	The participant’s tone is not too loud or harsh.
Participant fully answers each question	The response provided by the participant contains a clear answer to the question.
Participant ends the interview with an appropriate goodbye.	These should include a verbal and nonverbal response. Apppropriate responses include “Goodbye”, “Have a nice day”, “Thanks”, “Nice to meet you”, etc. and waves or handshakes.
Refrain from self-reprimand behaviors, verbal or nonverbal	Behaviors can include any physical touching of the hands to another body part forcefully or any audible sound with a harsh tone (for example, grunting). Behaviors can also include negative verbal statements about the self.
	Total	/11

Appendix 2

Job Interview Skills

Greet the interviewer when they enter the room or when you enter the room. Wave or shake hands, as well.

• This will show the interviewer that you are friendly and confident.

• Examples:

  • “Hi, my name is _______”

  • “It’s nice to meet you”

  • “Hi, how are you?”

Do not fidget in front of the interviewer.

• Fidgeting could be a sign that you are nervous or unsure.

• This includes:

  • Messing with hands or hair

  • Messing with objects

  • Swaying back and forth

  • Shaking your leg

Answer each question promptly.

• Answering the question quickly will show confidence in yourself.

• Try to answer each question within about ten seconds. It is okay to pause so that you can think. If you need additional time to think, you can say:

  • “I am organizing my thoughts”

  • “I am thinking of something specific”

Sit up straight. Do not slouch or cross your arms across your chest.

• This will show the interviewer that you are confident in yourself.

Look at the interviewer while they are speaking.

• This lets the interviewer know that you are paying attention.

Look at the interviewer while you are speaking.

• This shows the interviewer that you are confident in your answer and focused on the question.

Make sure to speak clearly.

• It is important for the interviewer to hear everything that you are saying clearly.

Use a neutral or positive tone when speaking.

• This will show the interviewer that you are friendly.

Answer the question completely.

• It is important to answer every question that the interviewer asks completely to show that you are prepared and focused.

• This includes:

  • Answering every question if the interviewer asks more than one.

  • Giving enough information so that the interviewer understands what you are saying without having to ask more questions.

During the interview, do not show any outward frustration at yourself.

• It is important to refrain from doing these to show the interviewer that you are confident and prepared for the interview.

• Examples:

  • Do not mutter about something you forgot.

  • Do not say anything negative about yourself.

  • Do not show any physical signs of frustration including grimacing, hitting yourself, or clenching your fists.

When the interview is over, tell the interviewer goodbye and wave or shake hands again.

• This gives the interviewer a last impression of you that is friendly and confident.

• Examples:

  • “It was nice to meet you”

  • “Have a good day”

“I look forward to hearing from you”