Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
autism, adult, transition, employment
Brief summary
The goal of this study is to conduct the first community-based implementation of the STEPS program and test feasibility and preliminary impact. After first working with stakeholders to refine and optimize the program we will launch a Hybrid Type 1 open trial, targeting 25 transition-age youth (TAY) with ASD.
Detailed description
This community-engaged, applied research study will test the effectiveness of STEPS (Stepped Transition in Education Program for Students with ASD), a program designed to help transition-age youth (TAY) with ASD prepare for independence. Adults with ASD have worse outcomes, with respect to employment, education, and quality of life, than neurotypical peers. Research-informed transition planning that addresses core impairments in skills needed for autonomous and independent living, including self-knowledge, self-determination, and self-regulation, may improve outcomes for this growing population. In a prior trial, the investigators found STEPS to be feasible, acceptable, and efficacious. The proposed study is the first test of STEPS as implemented by community-based providers. Through a series of implementation working group meetings with identified community partner agency and stakeholders (families, TAY with ASD) in the region, the study team will refine STEPS with the goal of optimizing program sustainability within community settings. Following this, a Hybrid Type 1 open trial will be launched, which focuses primarily on intervention effectiveness with a secondary focus on factors related to implementation. With a sample of TAY with ASD (n=25) immediate and longer-term clinical outcomes of adult functional outcomes and vocational engagement will be assessed. This research will produce findings with the potential to shift clinical practice related to transition to adulthood for people with ASD.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSTEPS
STEPS is a psychosocial intervention that targets self-determination, self-regulation, and self-knowledge to improve functional independence and quality of life in adults.
Sponsors
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
The assessment battery is multi-modal and includes evaluation by an independent evaluator (IE) who is uninvolved in STEPS delivery or training.
Intervention model description
This is a single-arm (non-randomized) trial in which providers are community-based practitioners.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
16 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* ages 16-25 confirmed diagnosis of ASD caregiver willing to participate stable medication
Exclusion criteria
* evidence of intellectual disability evidence of suicidal intent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Functioning Scale | Week 14 | The Adult Functioning Scale measures autonomy, employment (including readiness), social functioning, and satisfaction via self- and informant-report questionnaires |
| Rehabilitation Success | Week 14 | This is completed via interview to assess 'real world' vocational engagement |
Countries
United States
Contacts
Primary ContactSusan W White
Backup ContactNicole Powell
Outcome results
None listed