Launching! to Adulthood Program for Autism

Overseen By Katherine Loveland, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorder, Suicidal ideation, Severe substance use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 24

Duration: 12 weeks

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program designed to help young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) improve daily skills, social understanding, and mental well-being. Participants will either begin the Launching! to Adulthood program immediately or after a short wait, allowing researchers to compare outcomes between the two groups. The trial seeks young adults diagnosed with ASD who have a parent willing to participate. The goal is to determine if the program can lead to lasting positive changes in their lives. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could significantly enhance the quality of life for young adults with ASD.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Launching! to adulthood program is safe for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Research has shown that the Launching! to Adulthood program aims to help young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) improve skills such as social interaction and daily living. Although specific safety data for this program is not available, it involves group activities rather than medication or surgery, suggesting lower risks. The program focuses on helping participants grow and reach their full potential. While concrete safety data is lacking, the program's nature suggests it should be well-tolerated by participants. Any concerns should be discussed with the study coordinators. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Launching! to Adulthood program because it offers a fresh approach to supporting autistic adolescents transitioning to adulthood. Unlike traditional therapies that often focus on childhood development, this program specifically targets the unique challenges faced during the transition to adult life, such as social skills, independence, and employment readiness. The program's group therapy format encourages peer interaction, which can help participants build a supportive community and practice real-world social skills in a safe environment. By addressing these specific needs, the program aims to empower individuals with autism to navigate adulthood more successfully.

What evidence suggests that the Launching! to adulthood program is effective for Autism?

Research has shown that the Launching! to Adulthood program helps young adults with autism enhance important life skills. In earlier studies, participants demonstrated better social understanding, meaning they improved in interacting with others, and developed skills like planning and organizing. The program also appears to benefit mental health and overall quality of life. In this trial, participants will receive the Launching! to Adulthood group therapy either immediately or after a period without intervention. These findings suggest that the program can effectively support young adults with autism as they transition into adulthood. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Antonio Pagan, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are transitioning to adulthood. It aims to help them improve their daily living skills, readiness for adult life, and social understanding. Participants must meet specific criteria related to ASD diagnosis and be able to attend group therapy sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

Confirmed case of ASD from a licensed mental health or medical professional

Meets DSM-5 criteria for ASD based on a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) ASD symptom checklist

I am willing and motivated to undergo treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of or currently experience severe mental health symptoms.

Suicidal ideation with intent or plan

Current alcohol or other substance use disorder rated severe

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the Launching intervention to improve adaptive functioning, transition readiness, and social cognition

12 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for maintenance of treatment gains

12 weeks

Assessments at week 24

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Launching! to adulthood program

Trial Overview The study tests the 'Launching! to Adulthood' program against standard care in individuals with ASD. The program's effectiveness on adaptive functioning, transition readiness, social cognition, executive functioning, mental health symptoms, and quality of life will be measured through various assessments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Launching! to adulthood group therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: No intervention then Launching! to adulthood group therapy Active Control 2 Interventions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

974

Recruited

361,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The study found that a structured intervention program significantly improved adaptive functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a strong correlation to the intensity of the interventions and the severity of symptoms, based on evaluations conducted over one year.

However, the intervention did not show a significant impact on the quality of life for families, indicating that while individual outcomes can improve, family dynamics may require additional support or different approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Diagnostic assessment, therapeutic care and education pathways in persons with autism spectrum disorder in transition from childhood to adulthood: the Italian National Ev.A Longitudinal Project. Valenti, M., Mazza, M., Arduino, GM., et al.[2023]

Out of 150 studies on non-medication interventions for young autistic children, only 11 reported any adverse events, highlighting a significant gap in safety reporting in this area of research.

Among the studies that did report on participant withdrawal, 10 identified reasons that could be classified as adverse events, suggesting that researchers need to improve their methods for tracking and reporting these occurrences to better inform families and professionals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse event reporting in intervention research for young autistic children. Bottema-Beutel, K., Crowley, S., Sandbank, M., et al.[2023]

Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have significantly higher rates of prescription drug use and polypharmacy compared to adults without ASD, with nearly 75% of those with ASD having over 20 prescription drug claims annually.

The study found that 85% of adults with ASD used at least one psychotropic medication, with common prescriptions including antipsychotics and anticonvulsants, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of treatment efficacy and safety due to the high rates of polypharmacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prescription Drug Use and Polypharmacy Among Medicaid-Enrolled Adults with Autism: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis. Vohra, R., Madhavan, S., Sambamoorthi, U., et al.[2020]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40156911/

Launching! To Adulthood, A Culturally Adapted Treatment ... Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that the Military-Launching! program improves social cognition, executive functioning, and family ...

2. rcej.scholasticahq.com rcej.scholasticahq.com/article/120542-_launching-_-to-adulthood-a-group-counseling-initiative-for-young-adults-with-neurodevelopmental-differences-transitioning-to-adulthood-and-their-fam

Launching! to Adulthood: A Group Counseling Initiative for ... Nearly all (87.5%) of the young adults were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in adulthood (M = 21.63, SD = 2.87). One participant was ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/launching-to-adulthood-program-for-autism-ff38b

Launching! to Adulthood Program for Autism The study found that a structured intervention program significantly improved adaptive functioning in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a ...

4. med.uth.edu med.uth.edu/psychiatry/autism-spectrum-disorder/researchstudies/launching-to-adulthood-program-2/

Launching! To Adulthood Program | McGovern Medical School The Launching! to Adulthood program helps autistic young adults reach their full potential while supporting their parents. The Launching! to Adulthood program ...

5. jneuropsychiatry.org jneuropsychiatry.org/peer-review/transition-to-adulthood-for-individuals-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-current-issues-and-future-perspectives-neuropsychiatry.pdf

Transition to adulthood for individuals with autism spectrum ... SUMMARY. Rising autism prevalence rates have lent urgency to efforts to improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

6. osf.io osf.io/un4d3/download/

1 Launching! to Adulthood: An updated group therapy ... Most (9/12; 75%) of the young adults were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in adulthood (M age of diagnosis=19.42, SD=4.29; Range = 11-25 years old) ...

7. heller.brandeis.edu heller.brandeis.edu/lurie/pdfs/policy-briefs/transition-to-adulthood-individuals-with-autism.pdf

Transition to adulthood for individuals with autism spectrum ... SUMMARY. Rising autism prevalence rates have lent urgency to efforts to improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).