Behavior-analytic intervention in adolescents and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a systematic review

Abstract

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that can cause defi­cits in the area of: communication and social interaction; and / or the presentation of restric­tive and stereotyped behavior patterns. The behavioral analytical literature indicates a lack of studies developed with adolescents and adults diagnosed with ASD. Thus, this study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA guidelines, seeking to identify in the bibliographic production of Behavior Analysis: what types of intervention are adopted and target behaviors taught to this population, as well as the effectiveness of interven­tion. 456 articles were analyzed, through which, nine met the eligibility criteria. Among the main results obtained, it was identified that most interventions aim to teach social skills for adolescents and adults through Discrete Trial Traning (DTT) or Naturalistic Teaching.