Task variation versus task repetition for people with profound developmental disabilities: an assessment of preferences.

Gaily et al. (1998) asked four adults with profound disabilities to choose between two work styles. One style switched tasks every few minutes. The other repeated the same task.

Staff showed each adult a colored card that meant "switch" and another that meant "same." The adults touched the card they wanted. Staff honored the choice during the next work block.

Three adults picked the "switch" card almost every time. One adult picked the "same" card almost every time. Each person stayed with their favorite across days.

The quick card choice gave a clear answer about who likes variety and who likes repetition.

Buhrow et al. (2003) used the same pick-a-card method with pictures instead of tasks. They also found clear, personal preferences in adults with profound ID. The pattern shows the method works across different kinds of stimuli.

Fava et al. (2010) moved the idea into leisure rooms. They let adults choose between two multi-sensory spaces. Like E et al., matching the room to the person’s preference cut disruptive behavior. The choice rule travels from work to play.

Kim et al. (2025) warn that choice itself is not always preferred. Their review says reinforcement history and effort can flip liking. E et al. saw this in action: one adult avoided variety even though staff thought switching would be fun.

You can run this card test in ten minutes before starting any task schedule. If the learner picks "switch," rotate activities every few minutes. If they pick "same," keep the task steady and build mastery. Respecting the choice boosts engagement without extra cost.