Brief Report: Feasibility of the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task as an Outcome Measure in an Intervention Trial for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Schmitt et al. (2021) tested a computer game called the Probabilistic Reversal Learning task. The game flips reward rules without warning. Players must notice the switch and change their choices.

They gave the game to autistic clients before and after the Regulating Together emotion program. They wanted to see if scores would move when emotions skills improved.

The task worked. It captured real gains in cognitive flexibility after the emotion program. No one dropped out because of the game.

That matters. Most autism studies still lean on parent logs or IQ tests to show change. A quick game that tracks flexible thinking gives you a cleaner yardstick.

Hendrix et al. (2022) reviewed 20 parent-coaching studies. Almost none measured emotion regulation as a main goal. Most tracked problem behavior instead. Schmitt’s team fills that gap by giving us a ready tool for ER change.

Boudreau et al. (2015) used EEG to show that autistic adults track reward odds in odd ways. Schmitt shows the same probability learning can be captured with a simple desktop task, no wires needed.

Sullivan et al. (2020) warned that untargeted problem behavior can pop up when we test resurgence. Schmitt’s brief game keeps the focus on flexibility without opening that extra can of behaviors.

If you run social or emotion groups for autistic learners, you now have a 10-minute game that shows real change. No long checklists. No parent homework. Just start and end each block with the PRL task. You will know in weeks, not months, if flexibility is moving.