Videogame-based Tool for Job Search and Executive Function Improvement in Adults With ASD

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to assess the efficacy of Identifor, a strength- based, person-centered, vocational assessment tool to develop a more effective way to identify individual abilities, skills, and interests. Identifor uses computer games specifically designed for young adults with ASD.

Official Title
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Assessing Videogame-Based Tool for Job Search and Executive Function Improvement in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Use of Identifor assessment tool and Companion app
* Other: Referral to employment agencies


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: IQ above 60 Diagnosis of ASD as confirmed by qualified clinician (including Dr. Fung), and if necessary the administration of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and/or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) Age 18 to 55 Adults who are physically healthy able to travel to work independently Exclusion Criteria: DSM-5 diagnosis of other severe psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Device Feasibility
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Randomization into two groups A and B. Group Intervention or group A will comprise of participants who will be given usual referrals to pre-employment training, and will not use Identifor or Companion app. Intervention or group B will comprise of participants who were randomly selected to use Identifor and Companion app, in addition to referrals to pre-employment training.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Use of Identifor and Companion+referral to employment agencies<br>This group will use the Identifor tool and Companion app for a period of 6 months. They will also receive standard referral to employment agencies. | Device: Use of Identifor assessment tool and Companion app<br>* Identifor pinpoints what players excel at by using objective metrics and quantifiable data to collect information relevant to employment, including Multiple Intelligence, Executive Function, and personality themes. Companion is a 24/7 personalized aide for teens and adults iwth special needs that uses and artificial intelligence avatar to have back-and-forth conversations with users in a meaningful way to support the user in different domains of their everyday lives including public transit, managing personal schedules, and money management.<br>Other: Referral to employment agencies<br>* Standard referral to employment agencies based on an individual's background, skillset, and preferences<br>|
| Active Comparator: Referral to employment agencies<br>This group will not use the Identifor tool and Companion app. They will only receive standard referral to employment agencies. | Other: Referral to employment agencies<br>* Standard referral to employment agencies based on an individual's background, skillset, and preferences<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rate of securing internship, part-time, or full-time positions | Percentage of participants securing internship, part-time, or full-time positions | 6 months after initiation of referral | 
| Level of satisfaction | The level of participant satisfaction will be determined from a Likert scale (Very satisfied, Somewhat satisfied, Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, Somewhat dissatisfied, and Very dissatisfied). | 3 months after initiation of referral | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Adults (BRIEF-A) | measure of executive function for adults | 6 months after initiation of referral |