Use of activity schedule to promote independent performance of individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities: a review

Abstract

A literature review was conducted on the effectiveness of activity schedules. Twenty three studies that a) were peer-reviewed, b) were experimental, c) implemented activity schedule as a primary intervention, d) incorporated multiple activities, and e) aimed to teach learners to self-manage individual schedules were included in the review. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of activity schedules for promoting independence and self-management skills for a broad range of individuals with intellectual disabilities. An increase in engagement and on-task behavior was the most frequently cited outcome, followed by independent task initiation or transition and self-scheduling. Failure to include social validity measures and caregivers as interventionists were discussed. A corpus of the reviewed studies supports applications of activity schedule in school and (group) home settings.