A metacognitive intervention model to promote independence among individuals with autism spectrum disorder: Implementation on a shopping task in the community

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder show low independence levels and difficulty performing complex daily activities. The many intervention approaches for these individuals include deconstructing complex activities into basic components, processing and practicing tasks, and developing compensation strategies. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a short-term metacognitive intervention combined with virtual supermarket practice to improve the independent implementation of a shopping task among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The study included 56 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, of whom 33 performed the metacognitive intervention and 23 served as controls. Outcome measures included assessments of cognitive and metacognitive functions and a performance-based evaluation of a shopping task in the natural environment. Compared to the control group, the intervention group experienced significant improvement in accuracy and efficiency while performing a shopping task. In addition, the executive functions domain was found to be the main predictor of accuracy and efficiency in performing the shopping task. These findings indicate the short-term metacognitive intervention, reinforced by a technology-based training programme, may effectively enhance the independent execution of a shopping task by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and expand their potential participation in the community.