Persson, B. (2000). Brief report: A longitudinal study of the quality of life and independence among adult ment with autism. JADD, 30, 61-66.

• Does TEACCH increase the quality of life for individuals in group home settings?
• "impossible" to measure directly - (e.g., people who are nonverbal)
  • indirect measures were used
  • Adult and Adolescent Psychoeduational Profile -TEACCH developed instrument
    • administered 6x (twice per year)
    • measures
      • vocational
      • independence
      • vocal behavior
      • leisure
      • FCT
      • interpersonal skills
    • done through direct observation
• 7 Ss - one excluded b/c of aggression
  • 20-50 years old
  • all have history of behavioral issues
  • only one had experience with TEACCH
• Modest progress on all domains over time
  • increases in behavior  - assumption that quality of life increases
  • independence andso increases
• No studies on placement changes with adults with autism
• need to practice skills to keep them