Effects of Structured Teaching on the Behavior of Young Children With Disabilities

Abstract

The effects of structured work systems based on the principles of structured teaching were evaluated with 3 preschool-aged children with developmental disabilities (2 children had autism). A withdrawal design was used with 2 participants, and a multiple baseline across stimuli was used with the other. During baseline, children were given 3 tasks to do with no structure or guidance. During intervention, a structured work system was provided, including organization of the physical structure, visual schedule, and predictable routines. Graduated guidance was used to teach the children use of the system. Use of the structured work system produced increases in engagement and the speed and accuracy of task completion along with decreases in stereotypic behavior and escape attempts.