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Q: Is it appropriate to “follow a child’s lead” if he/she only engages in rigid, repetitive, or self-stimulatory play behavior?

A: Bricker and Cripe (1992) advocate for attending to appropriate (not stereotypical or destructive) behavior during planned activities or routines. Following the child’s lead is a strategy reserved for addressing functional goals and objectives during target activities. It does not preclude situations in which direct instruction or redirection is a more appropriate approach.

Q: How can parents incorporate ABI at home?

A: An activity matrix is an excellent tool for encouraging family members to embed a child’s IEP objectives in naturally occurring routines in the home and the community. Parents who want to learn more about naturalistic teaching strategies for home and community settings may want to visit the excellent Utah State University website http://www.spiesforparents.cpd.usu.edu.

Q: Could ABI be useful with older individuals with ASD?

A: Great question! While research to date has focused on children, ABI would appear to offer a sound methodology also for adults in workplace, home, and leisure settings. Thus, the “child-centered” philosophy of ABI seems to be entirely consistent with the “person-centered” plans that exemplify best practice in community intervention for adults with developmental disabilities.