It should also be noted that there is research on specific methods or techniques to assist individuals with job maintenance and retention, once employment is secured. For instance, Allen, Burke, Howard, Wallace, and Bowen (2012) evaluated the efficacy of audio cuing as a way to expand employment opportunities for individuals with ASD. Their research evaluated covert audio cuing as a technique to assist individuals with ASD while they performed in WalkArounds. As a WalkAround, individuals wear a costume in a retail setting to facilitate in-store product marketing; it was an appealing employment opportunity to test audio cuing because of the constant presence of a WalkAround attendant. Previous studies have shown this to be competitive and meaningful work; additionally, WalkAround schedules are typically flexible and part-time, making it desirable employment for individuals with ASD and ID (Allen et …show more content…
Video modeling is another method that was tested by Laarhoven, Winiarski, Blood, and Chan (2012) to determine if it was an effective method for maintaining the vocational skills of high school students with ASD and/or developmental disabilities (DD) over winter break. This study used a modified pre- and post-test control group design, with one of the tasks serving as the control. Findings of this study show an improvement in student performance under the video modeling condition; results show video modeling as an effective intervention for skill maintenance and skill improvement, particularly when students are on breaks from work routines (Laarhoven et al., 2012). These methods are important once employment is achieved; however, at this time, my research and professional experience is leading me to believe that individuals with ASD and ID require more thorough preparation for employment upon exiting high