Review of the Choice and Preference Assessment Literature for Individuals with Severe to Profound Disabilities

Since 2002, the body of literature examining choice interventions and preference assessments for individuals with severe to profound disabilities has grown substantially. This paper is an extension of the Lancioni, O'Reilly, & Emerson (1996) and Cannella, O'Reilly, & Lancioni (2005) papers and reviews 50 studies conducted between 2002 and 2010 that were divided into five categories: (a) effectiveness of various preference assessment formats and methodologies, (b) comparisons of specific components of preference assessments, (c) underlying mechanisms of preference, (d) effects of choice on behavior, and (e) staff and participant training. Findings from these studies support previous research findings in that choice was an effective intervention for changing behavior, reinforcers were identified for individuals with severe to profound disabilities using preference assessments, and participants were taught to make, and staff were trained to provide, choices. Other major findings highlight some mechanisms that underlie preference and provide insight into some nuances of the various preference assessment methodologies. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications on practice related to individuals with severe to profound disabilities and suggestions for future research are provided.