Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

Choosing a Career Path: Moving Beyond the Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Vicky G. Spencer, Ph.D, BCBA-D (Author) Shenandoah University image/svg+xml
    Vicky G. Spencer, Ph.D, BCBA-D, LBA, IBA, is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Shenandoah University (SU) in Winchester, Virginia. She has over 25 years of experience as a university professor and researcher. Dr. Spencer’s areas of research include applied behavior analysis, cognitive learning strategies, and inclusive practices for all people.
  • S. Lynn Cesard, M.S., BCBA (Author) Shenandoah University
    S. Lynn Cesard, M.S., BCBA, LBA is a behavioral therapist at Arrow ABA Services, LLC in Leesburg, Virginia. She focuses on addressing socially significant behaviors in both children and adults, as well as their families, to help facilitate a meaningful change utilizing evidence-based ABA interventions.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.504
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. It is estimated that 1 in 54 children has been diagnosed with ASD (Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2020). One area of concern for some parents is food selectivity which can be a common problem among individuals with ASD and often continues into adulthood. For this in-home case study, 13-year-old Michael has ASD, and his underlying cognitive rigidity and sensory issues were impeding his career goal of becoming a dessert chef. Prior to the intervention, Michael ate a very restrictive diet, refusing all fruit, beef, fish, and vegetables. The specific intervention for addressing Michael’s food selectivity issues included goal-setting, providing choice-making opportunities, developing and implementing a plan. The results suggest that using choice as an antecedent manipulation may be an effective method for the treatment of food selectivity.
Keywords
Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavior Modification, Behavior Problems, Career Choice, Eating Habits
References

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There are 21 references in total.
How to Cite
Spencer, V. G., & Cesard, S. L. (2022). Choosing a Career Path: Moving Beyond the Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 17(3), 145-159. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.504

Fall 2022

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted September 22, 2022
  • Published October 15, 2022
  • Issue Fall 2022
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