Quality Activities in Center-Based Programs for Adults with Autism: Moving from Nonmeaningful to Meaningful (Critical Specialties in Treating Autism and other Behavioral Challenges)

This practical guide takes an evidence-based approach to present quality, meaningful activities for adults with autism and other severe disabilities in a classroom or center-based setting, offering step-by-step suggestions to enhance their income-earning capacity, independence with life skills, day-to-day enjoyment, and overall dignity

Dr. Dennis H. Reid has worked in service provision for adults with autism and other severe disabilities for over 40 years, and has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on selected aspects of adult services. Most relevant for this proposal, he has published several investigative reports on how to identify, validate, increase, and maintain meaningful activities for adults with autism and other severe disabilities in center-based and supported work settings, including in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Research in Developmental Disabilities, and Behavior Analysis in Practice.

Marsha Parsons has worked for 35 years teaching and directing educational and vocational day services in schools and residential programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. She has co-authored over 50 refereed journal articles as well as book chapters, manuals and 7 books and curricula aimed at enhancing the skills of practitioners in the field of developmental and related disabilities. She has received awards for her work from the North Carolina chapters of both the Association for Behavior Analysis, and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In 2015 she received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the Office of the Governor of North Carolina in recognition of her service and contributions. Ms. Parsons currently works as a Senior Consultant with the Carolina Behavior Analysis and Support Center.