The Use of iPads® to Promote Leisure Activities for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability (ID)

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterized by difficulties in social interactions and functional communication skills, and the presence of repetitive behaviors and restrictive interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These characteristics can adversely affect the daily functioning of individuals with ASD and pose problems for them in obtaining and maintaining stable employment. In addition, their limited ability to engage in leisure activities can also diminish their quality of life (Garcia-Villamisar, & Dattilo, 2010; Patterson, & Pegg, 2009). Employing an iPad2®, the present study used a multiple-probe design across six participants to investigate the effects of a most-to-least prompting procedure on independent leisure engagement with iPad2® apps. Data on the duration of leisure engagement was also addressed. In addition, this study examined the impact of a visual schedule on the participants’ independent transitioning between leisure activities on the iPad2® as a part of daily routines. The results suggest the intervention was effective in increasing the level of independence and leisure engagement of the participants. However, differences in screen touch-sensitivity and limited compatibility between apps caused difficulties for some of the participants at times. In addition, the caregivers of the participants responded to a survey regarding the social validity of the interventions, including their social perceptions of the use of these commonly available devices, and the stigma associated with these devices. The results indicated the caregivers felt the interventions with the iPad2® were effective improving participants’ independence and leisure engagement. They also thought the individuals would stand out less in the community with the use of the iPad2®.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Nepo, Kaori Gunji

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tincani, Matt

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Hineline, Philip Neil
• Axelrod, Saul
• Thurman, S. Kenneth

• Behavioral sciences
• Education, Special
• Autism
• Intellectual disability
• iPad
• Leisure skills
• Technology

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/2007

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/2007