Evaluating PEGASUS - a Group Intervention for Young People With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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When a clinician gives an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis they hope this will be helpful to the person receiving it and their family. In reality children with an ASD describe few benefits to receiving this diagnosis - they often report feeling confused and stigmatised by it. Parents can also struggle to understand their child's diagnosis and report needing greater support from professionals in this respect (Midence & O'neill, 1999; Osborne & Reed, 2008). Little is known about how to help children and families integrate their ASC 'label' in a positive way. Whilst there is anecdotal evidence that psychoeducation after diagnosis can help, there has been no formal evaluation of this approach and no evidence-based programmes of this type are available. In the current study the investigators aim to test empirically a psychoeducational programme for children with an ASD ('PEGASUS'), using a randomised controlled design. The investigators aim to evaluate whether this psychological and educational intervention impacts positively upon understanding of ASC, self-esteem, functional adaption, well-being and family functioning.

Official Title
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Evaluating Psychoeducation for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Conditions
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Efficacy of PEGASUS

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: PEGASUS


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Received an ASD diagnosis from Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist or Paediatrician. Aware of ASD diagnosis. Aged between 9 and 14 years. Able to function in group setting, as evidenced in educational context. Speaks English Exclusion Criteria: No generalised Intellectual Disability as indicated by IQ below 65. Not engaged in additional formal psychosocial intervention during study period. Not taking psychiatric medication at baseline assessment, or taking a stable dose of psychiatric medication expected to remain constant throughout study participation.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 9 Years
Maximum Age: 14 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
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: PEGASUS<br>PEGASUS - a psychoeducational group intervention with parallel parent and child sessions. | Behavioral: PEGASUS<br>* PEGASUS - a psychoeducational group intervention with parallel parent and child sessions.<br>|
| No Intervention: Placebo<br>Will receive managment as usual from their local educational and NHS services | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Autism Knowledge Questionnaire | All measures taken at baseline, termination of treatment and six months follow-up. | 30 months | 
| Child Behaviour Checklist | All measures taken at baseline, termination of treatment and six months follow-up. | 30 months | 
| Vineland-II, Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale | All measures taken at baseline, termination of treatment and six months follow-up. | 30 months | 
| Parenting Stress index | All measures taken at baseline, termination of treatment and six months follow-up. | 30 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Qualitative interview conducted at baseline and termination. |  | 30 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism Spectrum Disorder;, Psychoeducation