Independent Life Skills Program for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Registration Number: NCT07029893
• Lead Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Brief Summary

This project will pilot-test an Independent Life Skills Program (ILSP) for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The ILSP was developed by a group of occupational therapists at Heep Hong Society based on the theories of self-regulated learning, life management, and self-management. The ILSP is a comprehensive program covering different life skills, including personal management, home management, community integration and self-management. These life skills are essential for transitioning from young adulthood and are predictors of successful transition.

Detailed Description

Acquiring daily life skills, including personal management, home management, community integration, and self-management, is crucial for enhancing quality of life and promoting autonomous living. However, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), encompassing both adolescents and adults, often face challenges and demonstrate limited levels of independence when it comes to engaging in these daily living skills.

This pilot testing aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the ILSP for individuals with ASD. It will also pilot-test the benefits of daily living skills and confidence.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-08-22
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-17
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-17
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-19
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-19
• Primary Completion: 2025-10
• Study Completion: 2025-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 32

Inclusion Criteria

• age 18 or above;
• diagnosed with autism based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
• borderline to normal IQ.

Exclusion Criteria

• have other types of Special Educational Needs such as social and emotional mental health needs, hearing impairments
• do not consent to participate

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)	Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks	The GAS takes into account that individuals have varying starting points and different desired outcomes based on their unique strengths and challenges. It is proven to be useful in reflecting personalised outcomes in intervention studies for adults with autism. The GAS uses a 5-point scale to create goals and measure progress, with -2 representing the baseline skill level. Progression from -2 to -1 indicates progress (50% better performance), and progression from -2 to 0 indicates the expected level of outcome (100% better performance).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Confidence Questionnaire	Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks	This questionnaire was designed by the occupational therapists. It covers the six areas of the ILSP. Participants will be asked to rate their confidence in completing those six areas and 14 skills using an 11-point scale, from 0 as no confidence at all to 10 as full confidence. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 300.
IADL Competency Test	Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks	Based on the content of the ILSP, the occupational therapists developed this competency test to assess participants' competence in 30 skills. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 30.
Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale - Hong Kong version (IADL Scale)	Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks	It covers nine complex daily tasks (IADL) needed to live independently (e.g., doing housework, preparing meals, taking medications properly, managing finances, using a telephone). A 4-point scoring system is used with 0, representing unable to perform to 3 representing complete independence. The score ranges from 0 - 27, with lower scores indicating less ability to complete the daily tasks.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, Hong Kong