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Generalization and Maintenance of Functional Living Skills for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review and Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed peer-reviewed research concerning the generalization and maintenance of functional living skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Following the application of predetermined inclusion criteria, 31 articles (containing 32 studies) were reviewed and summarized in terms of (a) generalization dimension, (b) generalization assessment design, (c) maintenance assessment design, (d) maintenance and generalization teaching strategy, and (e) latency to maintenance probes. Using Tau effect size and post hoc analyses, the type of generalization and maintenance teaching strategies were analyzed as potential moderators. Outcomes identified strong effects for generalization strategies employed. Resulting maintenance effects demonstrated strong effects for baseline to maintenance contrasts. Negative effects for the train and hope method were identified using intervention to maintenance contrasts. Results indicated statistically significant findings supporting the use of training in a natural setting and training to a criterion as compared to the train and hope strategy. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, San Antonio, TX, 78207-4415, USA

    Leslie C. Neely

  2. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Jennifer B. Ganz, Margot B. Boles, Jennifer Ninci & Whitney D. Gilliland

  3. The University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, USA

    John L. Davis

  4. University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

    Ee Rea Hong

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  1. Leslie C. Neely
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  2. Jennifer B. Ganz
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  3. John L. Davis
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  4. Margot B. Boles
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  5. Ee Rea Hong
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  6. Jennifer Ninci
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  7. Whitney D. Gilliland
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Correspondence to Leslie C. Neely.

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Neely, L.C., Ganz, J.B., Davis, J.L. et al. Generalization and Maintenance of Functional Living Skills for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review and Meta-Analysis. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 3, 37–47 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-015-0064-7

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