Positive behavior support: Supporting adults with autism spectrum disorders in the workplace

Issue title: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Transition and Employment

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Schall, Carol M.

Affiliations: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Autism Resource Center, P.O. Box 843020, Richmond, VA 23284-3020, USA. E-mail: cmschall@vcu.edu

Abstract: Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can present challenging behavior at work. In fact, it is likely that the presence of challenging behavior can act as a major barrier for individuals with ASD achieving competitive employment. Community-based work environments can present challenges in the implementation of behavior intervention plans. Positive behavior support (PBS) is a behavior intervention model that presents opportunities to implement socially valid behavior interventions in supported and competitive workplaces. This article describes the PBS model and provides a case example for an individual with ASD at work. Finally this article presents recommendations for future research in supporting individuals with ASD at work.

Keywords: Autism, autism spectrum disorder, positive behavior support

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2010-0500

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 109-115, 2010