Testing an Evidence-Based Supported Employment Model in Autistic Young Adults

University of California (UC) Davis

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Intellectual Disability

Treatments: Behavioral: Individualized Placement and Support Model; Behavioral: Supportive Employment Intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06829264

2024578

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to enhance employment outcomes for young adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the implementation of an evidence-based supported employment model known as Individual Placement and Support for Autism (IPS-AUT). The study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of IPS-AUT in promoting Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The trial will involve partnerships with supported employment agencies, training providers in IPS-AUT, and assessing employment outcomes and implementation factors. The ultimate goal is to create a scalable, evidence-based employment support model for individuals with autism.

Full description

This study builds on prior research and pilot testing of IPS in the autism and IDD community by implementing a 12-month Hybrid Type 1 trial to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of IPS-AUT. The current study will include three primary aims:

Consumer Support Toolbox Development: Using data from previous focus groups, researchers will develop and test a Consumer Support Toolbox (CST) to align IPS services with autistic consumer needs.

IPS-AUT Implementation and Outcomes Evaluation: A 12-month Hybrid Type 1 trial will assess feasibility, acceptability, fidelity to IPS standards, and employment outcomes. The study aims for a minimum 50% success rate in Competitive Integrated Employment and at least 75% feasibility and acceptability.

Mediators of Employment Outcomes: Researchers will explore the role of parent/carer engagement and work-related social cognition in improving employment success.

This trial is designed to prepare for a larger R01-funded study by refining implementation strategies and addressing key barriers. Participants will include young adults with autism, their employment providers, and caregivers, with data collected through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and standardized assessments. The study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and conducted in collaboration with supported employment agencies in California.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria: California supported employment agency clients meeting the following criteria:

• Community diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, demonstrated by a letter from a healthcare provider, psychologist, other mental health professional, Regional Center representative, or school psychologist.
• Aged 18-40 years.
• Minimum 4th-grade reading level (approximately mild ID).
• Not currently employed but seeking employment.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Not interested in employment.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Treatment Group - Agencies Receiving IPS

Experimental group

Description:

Participating agencies will be randomized, with 2/3 of agencies receiving IPS first. The estimated total number of agencies = 6 (each referring 10 consumers), meaning that 4 agencies (40 clients) would be assigned to receive IPS training first. These agencies will be expected to deliver IPS services for a duration of 12 months.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Individualized Placement and Support Model

Control Group - Agencies Receiving Supportive Employment Intervention

Active Comparator group

Description:

One third of the agencies (approximately 2 agencies and 20 consumers) will be assigned to the wait-list control group will continue to provide their usual services during the first 12 months. In addition, clients of these agencies will be offered a Supportive Employment Intervention, which includes weekly sessions offering support with some help on employment-related skills such as resume building, job interviewing, and workplace communication strategies.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Supportive Employment Intervention