Improving Outcomes in Autism: Community Implementation of Stepped Transition in Education Program

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Treatments: Behavioral: STEPS

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05581069

A22-0209

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 25 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 16 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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25 participants in 1 patient group

STEPS

Experimental group

Description:

All participants receive the STEPS intervention

Treatment:

Behavioral: STEPS