Executive Function Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overseen By Cara E Pugliese, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Children's National Research Institute

Disqualifiers: Non-English proficiency, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 25

224 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a school-based program called UOT:HS for high school students with autism. The program aims to improve planning and flexibility skills through lessons and parental involvement to help students succeed after high school.

Research Team

Lauren Kenworthy, PhD

Principal Investigator

Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for high school students with autism spectrum disorder who have an IQ of 80 or higher and are in mainstream classes at least 20% of the time. They must also show signs of social communication challenges. Students and caregivers must be proficient in English to participate.

Inclusion Criteria

The student spends at least 20% of their time in mainstream educational services, as identified in their IEP or through teacher report.

Your parents or teachers have reported that you have difficulty with social communication, scoring 11 or higher on a questionnaire.

You have been diagnosed with autism by a healthcare professional or have an educational classification for autism.

Exclusion Criteria

Students and caregivers without a level of proficiency in English to complete questionnaires and study procedures in English.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

School staff deliver the Unstuck & On Target: High School (UOT:HS) curriculum to students, with ongoing check-ins and parent home extensions

9 months

25 lessons (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in adaptive behavior and executive function skills post-intervention

4-6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Unstuck & On Target: High School

Trial Overview The study tests 'Unstuck & On Target: High School' (UOT:HS), a program designed to improve flexibility and planning skills among autistic youth. It involves school staff delivering lessons, check-ins by study staff, and parent trainings to extend learning at home.

Participant Groups

Group I: Usual Care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in schools assigned to the TAU condition will continue to receive the standard school-based Individualized Education Plan (IEP) accommodations and school supports that would typically be provided.

Group II: Intervention (Unstuck & On Target: High School) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

School staff will receive training on the Unstuck and On Target: High School (UOT:HS) curriculum, and deliver lessons to students during the school day. Interventionists will have the option to participate in ongoing check-ins with study staff. Parents are provided home extensions for each lesson and have the option to participate in trainings delivered by study staff to support generalization of skills to the home environment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Children's National Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

227

Recruited

258,000+