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

Practitioners working in adult service settings including behavior analysts, consultants, supervisors, clinicians, and administrators. The content will also be relevant for family members and advocates who strive to ensure adults with autism and other severe disabilities experience a desirable quality of life on a daily basis