Computerized assessment of preference for severely handicapped individuals.

Three adults with severe intellectual disability could not speak or point.

The team built a simple computer box with one large microswitch.

Each press turned on one of eight sensory items for 5 seconds.

Lights, music, vibration, and fans were presented one at a time.

The computer counted how long each item stayed on.

More presses meant stronger preference.

Sessions ran until the client stopped pressing for two minutes.

Every client showed a clear favorite.

One client pressed most for music.

Another pressed most for vibration.

The third pressed most for a fan blowing air.

The pattern stayed the same when the team repeated the test.

Staff later used the top item as a reinforcer and work increased.

Steege et al. (1989) took the same microswitch idea and turned it into treatment.

They used preferred items to stop self-injury for up to 15 months.

Fine et al. (2005) later swapped the goal again.

They used the computer to reward short word sounds instead of just measuring likes.

Lancioni et al. (2011) ran a close copy with two adults.

Both picked favorites and smiled more, showing the 1986 result holds across ages.

Walsh et al. (2020) pushed it further.

They used a tech quiz to match adults with ASD to favorite job tasks.

Higher preference beat skill match every time.

Together the papers show one cheap switch can guide choices from toys to jobs.

If you serve clients who cannot talk, point, or reach, this gives you a voice.

One switch, one computer, and any sensory item become a preference test.

You get a ranked list in under ten minutes.

Use the top item right away as a reinforcer for any new skill.

No pictures, no signing, no complex gear needed.