Andrew is a BCBA and is working with a 21 year old adult with autism. What would be the most appropriate goal for the BCBA to work on with the adult?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Increasing independent daily living skills, such as meal preparation or money management.
Explanation:
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) working with a 21-year-old adult with autism, the most appropriate goal is to promote independence in daily living skills, such as meal preparation, money management, hygiene, or navigating public transportation. At this stage of life, the individual is transitioning or has already transitioned into adulthood. Therefore, the focus of intervention should shift from academic or early childhood developmental goals to those that enhance autonomy, community integration, and quality of life.
Daily living skills are essential for independent functioning. Adults with autism often face challenges in executive functioning, planning, and adaptive behavior, making it harder to manage daily tasks without support. A BCBA’s role is to assess the individual’s current level of functioning using tools like the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales or Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS), and to design individualized interventions that use evidence-based principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
For instance, if the individual struggles with budgeting, the BCBA might implement a task analysis of money management—breaking it into smaller steps such as identifying coins and bills, tracking expenses, or using a debit card. The BCBA would then use techniques like prompting, reinforcement, and fading to teach these steps systematically.
Focusing on these real-life skills not only prepares the adult for greater independence but also increases self-esteem, reduces reliance on caregivers, and may open opportunities for supported employment or independent living. Moreover, aligning goals with the individual’s preferences and long-term aspirations ensures that interventions are socially valid and respectful of autonomy.
In summary, targeting daily living skills is developmentally appropriate, ethically sound, and promotes the adult’s ability to lead a more independent, fulfilling life.