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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

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

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: STEPS


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 16 Years
Maximum Age: 25 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: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: This is a single-arm (non-randomized) trial in which providers are community-based practitioners.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: STEPS<br>All participants receive the STEPS intervention | Behavioral: STEPS<br>* STEPS is a psychosocial intervention that targets self-determination, self-regulation, and self-knowledge to improve functional independence and quality of life in adults.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

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

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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employment, autism, adult, transition