Improving Service through a Digital Assistant for Direct Support Professionals: Exploratory Focus Groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-195
Author(s):  
Olivia McGough ◽  
Matthew Ungerer ◽  
Jaya Russell ◽  
Patrice D Tremoulet
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Important Data ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Direct Support ◽  
Behavior Analysts ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Direct Support Professionals ◽  
Administrative Tasks

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who assist adults with autism spectrum disorder sometimes find it difficult to keep up with administrative tasks including the documentation of important data needed by others who also provide support to their clients (e.g. behavior analysts, physicians, other DSPs). Existing technologies, such as cameras, smart speakers and smart medication dispensers, could potentially be leveraged to help capture some of the data that DSPs are asked to report as part of their work responsibilities. However, it is not currently known whether DSPs would be amenable to using these technologies ‘on the job’. This paper presents preliminary results from two exploratory focus groups where DSPs were asked to discuss the possibility of using different types of technologies to facilitate capturing and reviewing data about clients they serve.

scholarly journals Burnout among direct support workers of adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Couderc ◽  
Florence Cousson‐Gélie ◽  
Eric Pernon ◽  
Bertrand Porro ◽  
Stéphanie Miot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Direct Support

Program experiences of adults with autism, their families, and providers: Findings from a focus group study

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlin H Koffer Miller ◽  
Mary Mathew ◽  
Stacy L Nonnemacher ◽  
Lindsay L Shea
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Program Improvement ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Adults With Autism

A growing number of individuals with autism spectrum disorder are aging into adulthood. In the United States, Medicaid is the primary payer for services for adults with autism spectrum disorder, yet there are few funded programs that provide dedicated supports to this population. This study examined the experiences of adults with autism spectrum disorder in two Medicaid-funded programs in Pennsylvania through focus groups. Researchers conducted 20 focus groups with a total of 36 adults with autism spectrum disorder, 32 family members, 32 direct care staff, and 20 program administrators. Using thematic analysis, we identified three themes: training needs, community engagement and socialization, and employment. There was a need for additional training to meet the varying needs of program participants including co-occurring diagnoses, sexuality, and long-term planning. Adults with autism spectrum disorder prioritized more individualized community activities based on their interests. Finally, barriers to and strategies for successful employment were discussed. It will be crucial for policy makers to utilize the findings to inform program improvement and development based on the experiences of individuals impacted by these services and systems directly. Additionally, researchers should use the findings from this study to design interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorder as it includes their voices.

Transition to work: Perspectives from the autism spectrum

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 528-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Hedley ◽  
Ru Cai ◽  
Mirko Uljarevic ◽  
Mathilda Wilmot ◽  
Jennifer R Spoor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Transition To Work ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Social Difficulties ◽  
The Individual

To improve employment outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorder, it is necessary to identify factors associated with successful transition to work from the perspectives of the individual and from those who work with or support them. This study involved focus groups with adults with autism spectrum disorder ( n = 9) participating in a 3-year employment and training programme, as well as focus groups with family members ( n = 6), support staff ( n = 7) and co-workers ( n = 6). The aim was to gain better understanding of the experience of transition to work, barriers and also the factors that promote workplace success. Main themes included factors that facilitated success at work ( Enablers), barriers to success ( Challenges) and programme outcomes ( Outcomes). Organisation support, advice from co-workers, supportive leadership, allowance of environmental modifications and presence of a consultant were identified as enablers that most facilitated success at work. Challenges included task-related difficulties, individual factors, social difficulties and distractibility, not managing work-related stress, and being perceived to be too frank. Outcomes were rated as positive and encompassed work-related outcomes, as well as outcomes related to sense of purpose, achieving personal independence and improvements in social relationships, both with work colleagues and within families.

scholarly journals Feeling, caring, knowing: different types of empathy deficit in boys with psychopathic tendencies and autism spectrum disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 1188-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice P. Jones ◽  
Francesca G.E. Happé ◽  
Francesca Gilbert ◽  
Stephanie Burnett ◽  
Essi Viding
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Psychopathic Tendencies

scholarly journals Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin B. Leaf ◽  
Joseph H. Cihon ◽  
Ronald Leaf ◽  
John McEachin ◽  
Nicholas Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavior Analysis ◽  
Applied Behavior Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Historical Events ◽  
Licensed Psychologists ◽  
Behavior Analysts

AbstractFor over 50 years, intervention methods informed by the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been empirically researched and clinically implemented for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the plethora of evidence for the effectiveness of ABA-based interventions, some autism rights and neurodiversity activists have expressed concerns with ABA-based interventions. Concerns have included discontent with historical events and possible harm from the procedures and goals targeted. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine some expressed concerns about ABA-based intervention and suggest productive ways of moving forward to provide the best outcomes for autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD. The authors represent stakeholders from multiple sectors including board certified behavior analysts, licensed psychologists, parents, and autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD.

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