Culturally Adapted Transition Program for Autism

Overseen By Katherine Loveland

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: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

58 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility (e.g., satisfaction, completion rate, barriers to recruitment, treatment fidelity) of the culturally refined Launching! to Adulthood (¡Iniciando! la Adultez) program, to test for a preliminary signal of effect between baseline and post-treatment for the Launching! to Adulthood (¡Iniciando! la Adultez) program and to identify preliminary neural mechanisms of action, including biomarkers of brain structure and connectivity, in terms of treatment response for 15 Latino young adults participating in the ¡Iniciando! therapy program.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Launching! to Adulthood (¡Iniciando! la Adultez) program for autism?

Research shows that transition programs for adults with autism can improve self-determination and quality of life. A study found that participants in a similar program reported higher satisfaction with their skills and life quality, suggesting that such programs can be beneficial during the transition to adulthood. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Culturally Adapted Transition Program for Autism safe for humans?

The available research does not provide specific safety data for the Culturally Adapted Transition Program for Autism or its variations. However, the program has been culturally adapted and implemented with positive feedback from families, suggesting it is well-received and considered acceptable by participants. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

What makes the ¡Iniciando! la Adultez treatment unique for autism?

The ¡Iniciando! la Adultez program is unique because it is culturally adapted specifically for Spanish-speaking Latino families, addressing their specific needs during the transition to adulthood for youth with autism. This cultural adaptation ensures the program is relevant and effective for this community, which is often underserved in existing autism support programs. ^{1 2 3 8 9}

Research Team

Antonio Pagan, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Latino youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder who speak English, have a certain score on the Social Communication Questionnaire, and meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD. They must have been previously diagnosed by a professional and have a parent willing to participate. Participants should not have severe substance use disorders, current enrollment in another ASD trial, or be unwilling to complete study procedures.

Inclusion Criteria

You demonstrate DSM-5 criteria for ASD based on a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 symptom inventory.

You have achieved a score of 85 or more on the Verbal IQ subscale of the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2).

You have a score of 14 or higher on the SCQ-L110, completed with either your mother or father.

Exclusion Criteria

Suicidal ideation with intent or plan

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

Current alcohol or other substance use disorder rated severe

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the culturally adapted ¡Iniciando! la Adultez program, focusing on mental health and transition to adulthood

12 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

3 month and 6 month follow-up visits

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Launching! to Adulthood (¡Iniciando! la Adultez) program

Trial Overview The study is testing the Launching! to Adulthood (¡Iniciando! la Adultez) program's acceptability and feasibility among Latino youth transitioning into adulthood. It aims to see if there's any positive change from before to after completing the program.

Participant Groups

Group I: Launching! to Adulthood (¡Iniciando! la Adultez) program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

974

Recruited

361,000+

UTHealth Houston Seed Grant and Autism Speaks Fellowship

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

60+

Findings from Research

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]

The Mental Health Department of Piacenza has launched a comprehensive program aimed at providing individualized support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly during their transition to adulthood.

The program emphasizes the development of a 'life project' that focuses on enhancing daily living skills, job placement, and fostering meaningful relationships to improve the overall quality of life for people with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Network of services facilitating and supporting job placement for people with autism spectrum disorders. The experience of the ASL Piacenza, Italy. Cappa, C., Figoli, M., Rossi, P.[2021]

The study highlights the successful cultural adaptation of an evidence-based transition program, Juntos en la Transición, specifically designed for Spanish-speaking Latino families of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Feedback from five participating families indicated high social validity of the program, suggesting that culturally relevant supports are crucial for effectively addressing the transition needs of Latino youth with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Cultural Adaptation of a Transition Program for Latino Families of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kuhn, JL., Vanegas, SB., Salgado, R., et al.[2021]

A randomized controlled trial involving 30 young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) showed that a tailored 10-week transition service significantly improved self-reported Quality of Life and Self-Determination outcomes.

Participants in the intervention group reported a 2-point increase in Quality of Life and a similar improvement in Self-Determination skills, indicating that targeted support can enhance important life skills for adults with ASD during their transition to adulthood.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Results of a RCT on a Transition Support Program for Adults with ASD: Effects on Self-Determination and Quality of Life. Nadig, A., Flanagan, T., White, K., et al.[2019]

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder face significant challenges during the transition to adulthood, including social cognition deficits and executive dysfunction, which can lead to poor outcomes in various aspects of adult life.

To improve outcomes for these individuals, healthcare providers should implement interventions such as social skills training, educational transition programs, and supported employment programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Wisner-Carlson, R., Uram, S., Flis, T.[2021]

Family caregivers of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) identified five key areas for improving services: providing clear guidance on available services, enhancing access to these services, addressing unmet needs, increasing autism education for families and society, and fostering strong relationships with families.

These insights were gathered from a study involving 174 family caregivers, highlighting the importance of caregiver perspectives in shaping effective support systems for youth with ASD transitioning to adulthood.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Don't Promise Something You can't Deliver:" Caregivers' Advice for Improving Services to Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism. Berg, KA., Ishler, KJ., Lytle, S., et al.[2023]

The STEPS program, designed for adolescents and emerging adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was found to be acceptable and effectively implemented, showing significant improvements in transition readiness for high school students (n = 59) compared to those receiving usual transition services.

Participants in STEPS who were enrolled in postsecondary education demonstrated better adaptation to college life than those in the transition as usual group, highlighting the program's potential to support successful educational transitions for young adults with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving Transition to Adulthood for Students with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial of STEPS. White, SW., Smith, IC., Miyazaki, Y., et al.[2022]

The BOOST-A™ program, designed for adolescents on the autism spectrum, showed promising results in enhancing specific areas of self-determination and career exploration, particularly at home, based on a quasi-randomized controlled trial with 94 participants over 12 months.

While the program did not significantly improve overall self-determination or career planning at school, it suggests potential benefits for career readiness, indicating a need for further research to explore its effectiveness in post-secondary education and employment contexts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of the BOOST-A™ online transition planning program for adolescents on the autism spectrum: a quasi-randomized controlled trial. Hatfield, M., Falkmer, M., Falkmer, T., et al.[2022]

Low-income and racial/ethnic minority youth with autism face significant disparities in accessing transition services, leading to lower participation in transition planning, postsecondary education, and competitive employment compared to their White and higher-income peers.

These disparities result in a higher likelihood of disconnection from educational, occupational, and social activities as these youth enter adulthood, highlighting the need for further research to understand and address the underlying causes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review. Eilenberg, JS., Paff, M., Harrison, AJ., et al.[2022]

References

1. Italy 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. [2023]

2. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Network of services facilitating and supporting job placement for people with autism spectrum disorders. The experience of the ASL Piacenza, Italy. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Cultural Adaptation of a Transition Program for Latino Families of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Results of a RCT on a Transition Support Program for Adults with ASD: Effects on Self-Determination and Quality of Life. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Transition to Adulthood for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. [2021]

6. Egypt pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Don't Promise Something You can't Deliver:" Caregivers' Advice for Improving Services to Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism. [2023]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving Transition to Adulthood for Students with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial of STEPS. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of the BOOST-A™ online transition planning program for adolescents on the autism spectrum: a quasi-randomized controlled trial. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disparities Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status Over the Transition to Adulthood Among Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review. [2022]