Study shows video modeling improving work performance for ASD individuals

In the August 2010 issue of Education & Treatment of Children, Allen et al, discuss their study showing a marked improvement in four ASD youths/young adults in the performance of a socially challenging job... walking around in a big costume in a store to generate business. While not the best paying jobs (part time; $12 - $20 an hour) it is worth noting that success in a social occupation like this is remarkable for people on the spectrum. And when I thought about it the costume does lend quite a bit of help in that it takes care of the bright, sunny dispositions needed allowing the person inside to concentrate on movement and body language.

Abstract

As part of a collaborative project between a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and a local private business, we examined the effects of video modeling to teach vocational skills to four adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Video modeling was used to teach the participants to wear a WalkAround® mascot and entertain customers in a retail setting. Observations were conducted before and after participants watched a video model of the skills performed in both scripted and naturalistic scenes. All participants learned to use the targeted skills after watching the video model and all reported that they enjoyed the work. Implications and vocational applications are discussed.

This article, in addition to the main thrust of the study, presents a potential form of accommodation you may be able to request in your workplace; namely a video of someone else doing the job effectively.  Since AskJan-- the Department of Labor's Accommodation initiative-- suggests alternative methods of communication and training in their discussion of accommodating Aspergers. It is well worth pulling out this study when working with your employer on your labor situation as it shows verifiable results to the effort. A video program like this is more than simple observation as it will stress retention and provide repeated viewing if lessons are confusing or moving too fast. Additionally it is repeatable with future employees.

So consider this the next time you get a review or are interviewing; it may help both sides.

Allen, Keith D; Wallace, Dustin PView Profile; Renes, Diana; Bowen, Scott L; Burke, Ray V.; Use of Video Modeling to Teach Vocational Skills to Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Education & Treatment of Children, Aug 2010, pp 339-349

Another company joins Aspiritech, Specialisterne & Uzmanlar

Please welcome Autism Works to the family of ASD companies. They are based in the UK.

From their site:

AutismWorks aims to help bring dignity and happiness to people with a Autism Spectrum Condition or Aspergers Syndrome through sustainable employment in IT.

We are in the process of building the enterprise from the ground up and are currently laying the foundations.

Check them out at: http://www.autismworks.co.uk/

Tips for employers to accommodate an AS employee

Say you find an employer who is willing to hear about how to work with you or someone asks "How do I accommodate an Aspergers employee?" You could send the AskJan site but that might seem a bit intimidating to them since it is the US Department of Labor. My Aspergers Child has a wonderful post on ways an employer can accomodate an AS person in the workplace: http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2009/06/dealing-with-aspergers-employees-what.html

Combating Noise Sensitivity in the workplace

If you are looking for noise cancelling headphones to make life more bearable check out this review from CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/

Most are $200+ (with some going as high as $700+) but Audio Technica has one listed for $79 and JVC has another that goes for $103 - $189.

 Audio Technica ATH-ANC1 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Headphones

JVC HANC250 High-Grade Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Roundup of my four part series on Aspergers/ASD and Agile software development

Here is the obligatory round-up post for my four part series on Aspergers/ASD and the Agile software development methodology. It may seem that I am against Agile which is not the case by far. I think that Agile helps eliminate many of the dead times I found in Waterfall projects where I sat there waiting for my section of the project to start.

Still Agile can be challenging for those on the Spectrum and requires work to make it inclusive of the population as a whole. You can check out the articles here:

Part 1 - Change

Part 2 - Customers

Part 3 - Software

Part 4 - Interactions