Extending Microswitch-Cluster Programs to Promote Occupation Activities and Reduce Mouthing by six Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities

We extended the use of microswitch-cluster technology to six children with severe to profound developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. The primary aim of the intervention was to improve the adaptive behavior (ie, insert three objects in three different containers within 3 s) and simultaneously decrease the challenging behavior of hand/objects mouthing. The second aim was to assess the effects of the intervention on the indices of happiness. An ABCAC experimental sequence was adopted for each participant. Thus, subsequent to a baseline condition, a first intervention phase was implemented for increasing the adaptive responding irrespective of the challenging behavior, followed by a cluster phase in which positive stimulation was provided contingent on an adaptive response, only if the challenging behavior was absent. A 3 month follow-up occurred. Results showed a performance improvement for all participants involved. Additionally, they all consolidated the adaptive responding during the follow-up. Sixty external raters favorably endorsed the use of such technology. Implications of the findings were discussed.