Teaching clerical skills to individuals with autism in a skill-specific workplace with video modeling

Teaching vocational skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for their independent living and quality of life. This research aims to teach vocational skills to individuals with ASD using video modeling. In addition, the study investigated the maintenance and generalization of the acquired skills. Furthermore, the study examined the views of individuals with ASD and their parents regarding the research. Finally, the participants' levels of non-targeted information acquisition were examined. Using a multiple-probe model between participants, one of the single-case research designs, we used the video modeling method to teach three male participants aged 15 to 19 with ASD the skills of document sorting, document carrying, and photocopying. We assessed skill generalization at 1, 5, and 12 weeks. We also examined whether participants acquired non-targeted information related to each target skill. Finally, we investigated the social validity of participants with ASD and their parents. Findings showed that each participant learned, generalized, and sustained the three target skills. Participants also acquired non-targeted information at varying levels of accuracy. Moreover, participants and parents reported high satisfaction with the process. This study demonstrated that video modeling can effectively teach office skills to individuals with ASD. At the end of the study, recommendations for further research and implementation were made.