News and Knowledge

Employment is a huge part of the transition to adulthood.  For people with ASD and other disabilities, finding appropriate employment can be particularly challenging.  This study from September’s issue of Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities highlights a possible technique for helping individuals with autism become independent at work.

Researcher’s used covert audio coaching, an ear piece connected to a walkie-talkie, to give instructions and praise to individuals with disabilities on the job.  The ear piece was not noticeable and less stigmatizing than an actual nearby job coach.  Using this method also eliminated the common problem of job coaches actually performing job tasks for the individual with a disability.  Each participant in the study responded well to the audio coaching.  They increased the amount of work completed accurately and maintained higher levels of performance after intervention.

This study presents a great idea for educators or parents working on improving work skills.  A walkie-talkie with a headset is under $50 and anyone familiar with the job task can act as a job coach.  Using audio coaching can be an inexpensive and normalizing approach to helping individuals with autism increase independence at employment.

Bennett, K., Brady, M.P., Scott, J., Dukes, C., & Frain, M. (2010). The effects of covert audio coaching on the job performance of supported employees. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 25(3), 173-185.