A Multicentric Mixed-methods Study About the Promotion of Self-determination in Young Adults With Autism: the TEAm_YOUNG ADULTS Program
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Autism
- Sponsor
- University Ramon Llull
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Self-determination (Qualitative measure)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the benefits of a program to develop self-determination in young adults with autism. Being self-determined means acting or causing things to happen in your life. It involves deciding, acting and believing in one-self.
The main question this clinical trial aims to answer is: Is the program developed useful to improve self-determination of young adults with autism?
Participants will receive a group intervention to support the development of their self-determination-related skills during 20 sessions (1 session/week).
Researchers will compare the self-determination outcomes between the group that receives the intervention and another group that is in a waiting list (and will receive the intervention later) to see if the changes are due to the intervention.
Detailed Description
This clinical trial employed a convergent mixed methods design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the same participants and analyzed separately within a similar timeframe. The quantitative strand used self-reported and proxy-reported questionnaires to evaluate the impact of the TEAm_YOUNG ADULTS program on the self-determination of young adults with autism. The quantitative data was collected at baseline and at the completion of the program, after 5 months (20 sessions). In the qualitative strand, focus groups were used to explore changes in self-determination perceived by the participants that received the program and their acceptance of the intervention. The focus groups were conducted when finishing the group and after the self-reported questionnaires are answered. Proxy-reports were answered after the realization of the focus groups.
Investigators
Clara Andrés Gárriz
Principal Investigator
University Ramon Llull
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •To have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in accordance with the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), or of Asperger's syndrome, according to he DSM-IV
- •To be between 17 and 30 years old.
- •To have a verbal comprehension index higher than 70 in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV), to ensure a good comprehension of the program
Exclusion Criteria
- •Not having spoken language
- •Having a condition that could significantly interfere in the group functioning, such as an acute psychotic disorder or challenging behavior
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Self-determination (Qualitative measure)
Time Frame: After the completion of the intervention (20 weeks later)
Focus groups to evaluate the changes after the completion of the intervention. Questions related to the three dimensions of self-determination will be asked (volitional action, agentic action and action-control beliefs) in accordance with the quantitative measures to allow a joint display of the results following a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative). The focus groups will only be conducted for the intervention groups.
Change from baseline Self-determination after 20 sessions (Quantitative measure: proxy-report)
Time Frame: At baseline and after the completion of the intervention (20 weeks later)
AUTODDIS Scale. It is a proxy-report measure that evaluates the three dimensions of self-determination based on Causal Agency Theory (volitional action, agentic action and action-control beliefs) as well as the total self-determination scores. The internal consistency of these sections was excellent (between α = .948 to α = .962), as well as for the entire scale (α = .983), and there is also evidence of its validity.
Change from baseline Self-determination after 20 sessions (Quantitative measure: self-report)
Time Frame: At baseline and after the completion of the intervention (20 weeks later)
Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report (SDI:SR). The Spanish adaptation was used. It is a self-report measure that evaluates the three dimensions of self-determination based on Causal Agency Theory (volitional action, agentic action and action-control beliefs) as well as the total self-determination scores.