Young adults with autism spectrum disorder preparing for independence the effects of the self-determination learning model of instruction

In this study, it is aimed to examine the effect of Self-Determination Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) on the learning and maintenance of self-determination skills of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the transition to independent life. And again, it was aimed to collect social validity data in order to obtain the opinions of the young adults with ASD before and after the research, and their parents before, during and after the research process. For this purpose, in order to teach self-determination skills to three young adults with ASD, SDLMI was used, one of the single-subject research models, the multiple baseline design model between behaviors was used and it was replicated with the participants. In addition, the changes in the level of independent living skills performed by the participants were measured with pre-test, and post-test sessions. Finally, the data obtained through semi-structured interviews were analyzed with content analysis in order to get the opinions of the participants and their parents on the intervention process. Findings obtained from the study show that all participants acquired self-determination and independent living skills targeted for them and maintained these skills after 1. 3. 5., and 8 weeks the intervention was implemented. The social validity findings obtained from the study also show that the research process and the results are satisfactory for both young adults with ASD and their parents.