The high-probability (high-p) instructional sequence typically consists of the delivery of a series of high-p instructions immediately followed by the delivery of a low-probability (low-p) instruction and is a commonly used procedure to increase compliance among children with intellectual disabilities. In the current study, we used withdrawal…

There is broad consensus about the importance of post-diagnostic genetic testing for children with ASD. However, the extent of compliance with these tests and the factors affecting compliance have rarely been examined. We surveyed a sample of 114 families with a child with ASD in Israel, where such genetic testing is funded by the government. We…

Sleep problems are frequently reported by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with prevalence estimates of 44-83%. While it is important to address any underlying medical or psychiatric issues that contribute to sleep challenges, establishing good sleep hygiene is considered a good first step, which often includes establishing…

Teaching procedures that facilitate the emergence of novel responses allow for increased efficiency, which is critical when providing early-intervention services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three 5- and 6-year-old children diagnosed with ASD participated. In Experiment 1, we demonstrated functional control over the effects of…

Irritability is an impairing problem in children with ASD that may be associated with other behavioral and emotional concerns. The Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) is a parent-rated measure of irritability widely used in children with mood disorders, however, its utility in children with ASD remains unclear. In this study, we examined ARI parent…

Effective treatments of highly prevalent stress-related outcomes such as depression and anxiety are understudied in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A randomized controlled trial with baseline, post-intervention, and 10-week follow-up, that explores the effects of animal assisted therapy (AAT) was conducted. In total, 53 adults with ASD…

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from physical activity interventions. This study synthesized 14 single-case design (SCD) studies on interventions involving physical activities for individuals with ASD. The study evaluated the methodological quality of the reviewed studies by using What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) design…

The present study evaluated the effects of different types of teacher commands on response latency for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Two different types of commands were assessed: alpha commands and beta commands. Research on instructional time in schools shows that loss of instructional time during transition periods may result in…

This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design in understanding the secondary system of therapeutic alliance from the perspectives of parents and caregivers of children with autism. In the quantitative phase, data from the accomplished questionnaires of 124 parent-caregiver dyads were collected and analyzed. Four factors…

Here, we explored the structure of the 'Parenting Strategies Questionnaire', a new scale designed to measure parenting strategies for problem behaviour in ASD. We then examined links between child behaviour and parenting in a sample of 222 predominantly-UK parents of ASD children exhibiting behaviour found difficult or challenging. Analysis…

Problem behavior occurring during public outings can limit children's participation in these activities and can be disruptive for families. The current study included two children referred for the assessment and treatment of problem behaviors occurring during public outings. Clinic-based functional behavior assessments indicated problem behaviors…

Previous research indicates that autistic individuals are more likely to be bullied, and that they experience heightened anxiety and diminished self-esteem. These factors are known to predict heightened compliance, which is the tendency to agree with or carry out the requests and demands of others. This has a range of potentially serious…

Complying with common instructions is considered an important skill, critical to school success; however, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit low levels of compliance creating barriers to their inclusion in regular general education school settings. While self-management interventions have the potential to address compliance…

Although choice of task has been effective in reducing noncompliance, it may provide an opportunity to escape from less-preferred tasks. We used a reversal design to evaluate the effects of choice of a low-preference task sequence on noncompliance, task engagement, and duration to complete activities across two individuals with autism spectrum…

We evaluated a unique procedure to establish compliance with instructions in four young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who had low levels of compliance. Our procedure included methods to establish a novel therapist as a source of positive reinforcement, reliably evoke orienting responses to the therapist, increase the…