Quality Activities in Center-Based Programs for Adults with Autism: Moving from Nonmeaningful to Meaningful

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 programsCovers how to empirically assess and monitor participation in meaningful activitiesDetails evidence-based procedures for changing existing activities to become more meaningfulProvides maintenance strategies for ensuring activities continue to be meaningful on a daily basis

1. Historical Challenges and Needed Improvements in Center-Based Services for Adults With Autism 2. Current Professional Consensus Regarding Meaningful Activities 3. An Evidence-Based Protocol for Improving the Meaningful Utility of Center-Based Activities 4. Specifying Criteria for Meaningful Versus Nonmeaningful Activities 5. Assessing Meaningful Versus Nonmeaningful Task Participation 6. A Staff Training and Supervision Plan to Increase Meaningful Activities 7. Maintaining Meaningful Activity Participation