Date of Defense

4-16-2025

Date of Graduation

4-2025

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jonathan Baker

Second Advisor

Kyle Visitacion

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is partially characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. These deficits can be displayed by struggles in developing relationships and social-emotional reciprocity (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). In the context of competitive employment, social skill deficits can impose challenges in securing and maintaining an employment position, with 8.1% of adults with disabilities between the ages of 16-65 unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Video-based instruction (i.e., video models and prompts) has been used to teach adults with autism a wide variety of skills up to 100% accuracy, including vocational skills such as interviewing (English et al., 2017; Hayes et al., 2015). The current study used a multiple probe design to evaluate the effects of video-based instruction, feedback, and precision teaching measurement techniques on the acquisition of three varied responses to a single interview question. A young autistic adult male learned to describe his previous work experience by talking about (a) where he worked, (b) what he learned, and (c) an additional example of what he learned. After each practice opportunity, the individual received behavior-specific feedback (i.e., positive praise or corrective feedback) on the accuracy and duration of his response. The participant mastered response 1 after receiving video models plus feedback, but not responses 2 or 3. Video prompts plus feedback and contingent videos were used to teach the remaining two responses in which the participant was able to acquire the skill. After the participant mastered response 1, I probed for maintenance of the skill by (a) removing video models plus feedback, and (b) under tactile stimulus conditions resembling a job interview (business casual clothes). The participant was unable to maintain the skill in both of these probes. Implications and future directions are discussed later.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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