Using Behavior Skills Training to Promote Caregivers’ Generalized Skill Instruction with Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

The presence of independent and functional living skills increases autonomy and predicts better outcomes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Teaching caregivers to successfully teach functional living skills is an indirect way to positively impact the lives of adults with IDD. Behavior skills training (BST) is an evidence-based approach to training caregivers and provides a blueprint for systematic skills training. This study uses a multiple probe design across caregivers to evaluate the effectiveness of BST delivered via telehealth on the generalization of caregiver teaching skills and improvement in functional living skills of adults as a result of the skill instruction they receive. Additionally, the adult with IDD participants in this study selected the functional life skills they learned. Using person-centered practices, such as including participant interest and preference, can assist caregivers in learning generalizable skills to teach functional living skills that are selected by, important to, and important for the learner. Study results suggest that this approach effectively teaches caregivers generalizable skills.