Using Caregiver-Implemented Structured Work System to Promote Daily Living Skills for Adolescents or Young Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Daily living skills (DLS) are essential for independence among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), yet many adolescents and young adults have difficulties acquiring such skills. Structured work systems (SWS), a visual support strategy grounded in behavior analytic principles, have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting independence but are rarely studied when implemented by caregivers. This study evaluated caregiver training to develop and implement a modified SWS, focusing exclusively on the modified written work system (i.e., written instructions paired with pictures for complex steps). After the SWS development training, caregivers improved their ability to design individualized SWS. In Experiment 1, a multiple-baseline design showed that caregiver training and on-going coaching increased treatment fidelity, with gains generalizing to the home environment. In Experiment 2, individuals with I/DD demonstrated improved independent performance of DLS following caregiver implementation of SWS, and the improvements were maintained during follow-up probes. Social validity ratings indicated high acceptability from both caregivers and individuals with I/DD. Findings highlight the modified written SWS as a flexible, feasible behavioral intervention that caregivers can use to promote independence in DLS within natural settings.