Abstract
In order to best support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) into adulthood, the development of a vision for their future as early as possible is critical. Similarly, developing a vision for how to further develop the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) so as to best help support adults on the autism spectrum is necessary if we are to make even incremental progress toward a hopeful future. With this in mind, the following recommendations are offered: (a) the application of increasingly progressive ABA-based interventions and supports that are person-focused, comprehensive, and tied to improved quality of life; (b) the development of strategies for inclusion that go beyond physical inclusion and are implemented across the lifespan; (c) the continuing professionalization of the field of adult services to both increase staff retention/motivate long-lasting career paths and justify funding sources; and (d) further research to support the use of ABA-based interventions for adolescents and adults with ASD to inform programming and support the use of ABA-based interventions with older learners.
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Notes
- 1.
“Velcro-aide” is an unofficial special education term referring to an in-school 1:1 aide who never leaves the side of their assigned student.
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Gerhardt, P.F., Bahry, S.N., Mason, B., Solis, M.S. (2022). On Predicting the Future: Recommendations for the Field of ABA in Supporting Adults with ASD. In: Leaf, J.B., Cihon, J.H., Ferguson, J.L., Gerhardt, P.F. (eds) Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98507-3_25
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