Generalization of Fine Motor Skills Developed via Precision Teaching

Abstract

When working with children with autism, it is essential to teach the daily living skills necessary to help them achieve independence (Pierce & Schreibman, 1994). The "Big 6+6" are "basic fine motor movements that all individuals must have at regular performance rates if they are to be proficient at... self-help skills," (Desjardins, 1980, p2). Additionally, generalization provides natural maintaining contingencies for fine motor programs, though also requires active programing and effective techniques (Stokes and Baer, 1977). Considering this research, do fine motor skills learned via precision teaching spontaneously generalize into adaptive living skills?