Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA | Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA | Career Support Services, Richmond, VA, USA | Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Tony Gentry, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, 2nd Floor, 730 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. E-mail: logentry@vcu.edu
Abstract: Personal digital assistants (PDAs) offer task management and organizational features that may be utilized to help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) function more successfully in the workplace. Additionally, onboard video cameras and add-on software applications provide rich opportunities for the implementation of personalized vocational supports for individual workers. This article reports on three cases of workers with ASD who have been trained to use Apple iPod Touch PDAs as vocational supports in the workplace, resulting in improved functional performance and reduced behavioral challenges.
Keywords: Autism, assistive technology, cognition, occupational therapy, personal digital assistant, vocational rehabilitation
