Implementation of a self-monitoring application to improve on-task behavior: A high school pilot study.
Parent-run iSTIM app cut stereotypy for six of seven teens with autism in a quick AB pilot.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Seven high-schoolers with autism took part in a small pilot.
Parents used the iSTIM app on an iPad.
The app showed short clips of the teen working well.
Parents tapped the screen when stereotypy started.
The study ran an AB design: baseline first, then the app.
What they found
Six out of seven teens cut their stereotypy when the app was on.
The drop was clear right away and stayed steady.
One teen showed little change.
Parents said the app was easy to use at home.
How this fits with other research
Campillo et al. (2014) ran a similar 2014 pilot. They used the Tic-Tac timer app with adults. Both studies show a parent-run app can curb problem behavior.
Somers et al. (2024) went further. They added telehealth coaching while parents taught water flossing. This builds on P et al. by showing tech plus live help can workhen outcomes.
Chee et al. (2017) used video self-modeling to boost play skills. Like iSTIM, the child watched clips of themselves. The method is alike, but the goal was different—more play, less stereotypy.
Why it matters
You can hand an iPad to parents tonight. Pick a short clip of the learner on task. Ask them to tap when stereotypy starts. Track for one week. If it works like the pilot, you may see quick drops with almost no extra training.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Although behavioral interventions have been known to effectively reduce stereotypy in children with ASD, these types of interventions are not accessible to all families. In response to this issue, we evaluated the effects of the iSTIM, an iOS application designed to support parents in the reduction of stereotypy in their child with ASD. We used a series of AB designs to determine the effectiveness of the iSTIM on stereotypy using parents as behavior change agents. The use of iSTIM by the parents led to a reduction in stereotypy for six of seven participants. Our results suggest that the use of technology may be a cost effective and easily accessible method for parents to reduce stereotypy in their child with ASD.
Journal of behavioral education, 2014 · doi:10.1007/s10864-014-9204-x