TEACHING SHOELACE TYING TO A CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulties in independent performance of everyday tasks, therefore the aim of this study was to teach a child with ASD to tie shoelaces by using a total task chaining procedure. The participant was a ten year old boy diagnosed with ASD and the procedure used was total task chaining. The task analysis was divided into 13 steps and the teaching procedure was divided into two phases. Independent performance and generalization probes were also conducted. Total task chaining procedure was proven to be successful as a independence skills teaching tool, as the child mastered this skill in only 15 sessions with 100% success. These results are particularly significant in light of the demonstration of generalization by the participant, as he will be able to use the skill in present and future. Key words: total task chaining, shoelace tying, autism, independence.