Teaching individuals with autism spectrum disorder safe pedestrian skills using video modeling with in situ video prompting

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in every 68 children. Individuals with ASD have deficits in social, communication and behavioral skills which put them at a higher risk of injury and death than their typically developing peers. Parking lots are environments that present a number of potentially dangerous situations. Pedestrian skills, due to reliance on subtle cues and quick problem solving, can be especially difficult for individuals with ASD to master. The present study used a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effectiveness of a video modeling intervention with in situ video prompting feedback to teach five individuals with ASD to safely navigate a parking lot. Results of the study revealed that all five participants rapidly acquired the targeted skills and the skills were maintained in the absence of the video intervention at one week and two week intervals. Suggestions for further applications of the intervention package and implications for safety instruction are also offered.