Evaluating the Efficacy and Effectiveness of SCOPE - RCT
Condition: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Transition
MeSH terms: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The study will entail an evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, efficacy and
      effectiveness of SCOPE coach supported internet-delivered psychoeducative program using a
      randomized controlled design in a clinical health care context.

      An estimated n=175 will be needed to enable block randomisation according a 2:1:1 ratio to:
      1) SCOPE internet-based psychoeducation intervention, 2) Self-study controls, who receive
      eight weekly emails containing informative and relevant websites about Autism Spectrum
      Disorder (ASD), 3) Wait-list controls.
    

Detailed description: 
      The internet-delivered intervention SCOPE was developed using a participatory research
      approach, i.e. in cooperation with the target group. SCOPE has eight ASD theme modules and
      weekly contact with an experienced clinician (coach) via a message function within the
      Swedish national platform for internet-delivered treatment (1177.se e-services).

      The three treatment arms means that the self-study controls as well as the wait-list controls
      will have the option to take part of SCOPE the following semester after having completed the
      data collection process. The assessment of eligibility is conducted on the national platform
      for internet-delivered interventions using a web camera application or phone interview. The
      intake assessment covers depression symptoms and suicidality using MADRS-R, functional
      impairment using WHODAS 2.0 (WHO), and validation of autism core symptoms using OSU Autism
      and Social Responsiveness Scale.

      Treatment expectancy and satisfaction will be measured using the Treatment Credibility Scale
      (see outcome measures) and an evaluation of each module.The criteria for feasibility were (1)
      attrition should be less than 40% and (2) the participants should attend at least 75% of the
      sessions. Efficacy-related measures will be gained through the primary outcome of improved
      knowledge about ASD. Secondary outcomes are mental health: symptoms of anxiety and
      depression; acceptance of diagnosis; and quality of life. In addition, measures of treatment
      credibility are also completed by the coaches. The measures will be analysed using a series
      of repeated measures ANOVAs (rmANOVAs) to analyse differences between treatment arms.

      The recommended first-line intervention for ASD is psychoeducation. Psychoeducational
      interventions for transition-aged autistic youth have a very limited evidence base.
      Therefore, the effect of psychoeducation for the target group is difficult to discern, the
      current study would contribute significantly to the research field. The findings will be
      important especially as psychoeducation is a clinically common intervention, provided in a
      non-standardized way and without sufficient information of its effects.

      Recruitment commenced during the autumn of 2016 and was completed in december 2020. Final
      n=144.
    

Intervention name(s): SCOPE; Self-study
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): SCOPE is a internet-delivered, coach-guided, psychoeducational intervention, intended to serve as a first-line intervention for intellectually able adolescents and young adults with ASD. The SCOPE program is based on information comprising neuropsychology, pedagogy, and also interdisciplinary clinical experience regarding ASD. The content is aimed at providing information about typical and specific impairments of ASD, as well as the associated strengths.; Active control consisting of directed self-studies on internet.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Young adults; Psychoeducation; Internet-based intervention; Adolescents