UTILIZING BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE APPROPRIATE WAITING BEHAVIOR WITH INDIVIDUALS DIAGNOSED WITH ASD: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often engage in impulsive, dysfunctional, and maladaptive behaviors (Dawson, Matson, & Cherry, 1998). Research has shown the individuals diagnosed with ASD often exhibit problem behavior when they are required to wait for a preferred item. In fact, research has demonstrated that individuals diagnosed with ASD often choose smaller, immediate reinforcer over larger, delayed reinforcer. Most of the research conducted, however, has previously focused on teaching waiting for a preferred item within the ADHD population. The purpose of the current literature review was to evaluate recent research utilizing behavior interventions to increase socially appropriate waiting with individuals diagnosed with ASD. This review assessed the age of participants, setting(s), research design, independent variables, results, and effectiveness. This review also evaluated the rigor of those studies included utilizing the Quality and Rigor Checklist (Ledford, Lane, & Tate, 2018). Lastly, this review provides recommendations to clinicians currently practicing with the field.