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

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Interventions: Behavioral: STEPS

• Registration Number: NCT05581069
• Lead Sponsor: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2022-05-15
• Study First Submitted: 2022-09-29
• Study First Submitted QC: 2022-10-11
• Study First Posted: 2022-10-14
• Status Verified: 2023-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-11-29
• Last Update Posted: 2023-11-30
• Primary Completion: 2024-05-01
• Study Completion: 2024-08-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 25

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
STEPS	STEPS	All participants receive the STEPS intervention

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Rehabilitation Success	Week 14	This is completed via interview to assess 'real world' vocational engagement
Adult Functioning Scale	Week 14	The Adult Functioning Scale measures autonomy, employment (including readiness), social functioning, and satisfaction via self- and informant-report questionnaires

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Center for Youth Development and Intervention; 🇺🇸 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States