KF-STRIDE for Autism

Overseen By Katarina Reduzzi

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Kessler Foundation

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Substance abuse, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a treatment called KF-STRIDE to evaluate its effectiveness and ease of use for people with autism. Researchers aim to determine if KF-STRIDE is both helpful and practical for individuals diagnosed with autism. Participants will either continue with their regular services or try the KF-STRIDE program. The trial seeks U.S. residents who speak English fluently at a 4th-grade reading level and have no history of serious mental health conditions or substance abuse. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in autism treatment.

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 KF-STRIDE is safe for use in autism?

Research has shown that KF-STRIDE is built on proven positive psychology principles. The program is designed to be supportive and empowering, particularly for individuals with diverse ways of thinking. Studies have found that participants generally find KF-STRIDE easy to use and well-received.

Although detailed information on side effects or negative outcomes specific to KF-STRIDE is not available, its focus on positive psychology suggests a low risk of harm. This approach aims to build on personal strengths, which is typically safe. However, since this trial phase does not focus on safety in detail, specific safety data might not be available yet. Participants are encouraged to ask researchers for any updates on safety findings. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about KF-STRIDE for autism because it offers a new approach focusing on enhancing personal strengths rather than just addressing challenges. Unlike traditional therapies that often concentrate on reducing symptoms, KF-STRIDE emphasizes identifying and expressing individual capabilities, which could empower those with autism to achieve better outcomes in daily life. This strengths-based approach is anticipated to provide a more positive and personalized experience, fostering greater engagement and potentially leading to improved social and emotional skills.

What evidence suggests that KF-STRIDE might be an effective treatment for autism?

Research has shown that KF-STRIDE, a treatment under study in this trial, is based on positive psychology and is beneficial for individuals with diverse cognitive styles, including those with autism. A review of 29 studies involving 1,009 young people with autism supports its effectiveness. Additionally, an initial study suggested that KF-STRIDE may enhance job interview skills and awareness of personal strengths. These findings indicate that KF-STRIDE could benefit individuals on the autism spectrum. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals in the USA who speak English fluently at a 4th-grade level and have Autism Spectrum Disorder. It's not open to those with significant psychiatric illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis, nor to those with a history of substance abuse.

Inclusion Criteria

You live in the United States of America

You speak English fluently and at a 4th-grade reading level

Exclusion Criteria

You have a history of significant psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis)

You have a history of substance abuse

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Development and Feedback

Development activities to adapt KF-STRIDE 2.0 for adults with autism, involving feedback from the autism community

6 weeks

Testing

Testing the acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and initial efficacy of KF-STRIDE 3.0 among adults on the spectrum

8 weeks

Baseline, Immediate Post-Test between weeks 7 and 8

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in employment status and quality of life

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• KF-STRIDE

Trial Overview The trial is testing KF-STRIDE, an intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal is to assess how acceptable, usable, feasible it is and its initial effectiveness as groundwork for a future large-scale randomized controlled trial.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Kessler Foundation STRength IDentification and Expression (KF-STRIDE) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Services as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kessler Foundation

Lead Sponsor

Trials

190

Recruited

11,300+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07168941

Evaluation and Refinement of KF-STRIDE Into the Interview! We will then test the acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and initial efficacy of KF-STRIDE 3.0 among adults on the spectrum. Obtaining ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10537930/

Development and adaptation of a strength-based job ... Future directions include assessing the efficacy of KF-STRIDE in young adults on the spectrum to identify whether employment outcomes are ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-autism-spectrum-disorder-5-2024-a2418

Strength-Based Intervention for Autism A meta-analysis of 29 studies involving 1009 youth with autism spectrum disorder ... data supports the effectiveness of the treatment KF-STRIDE® for autism?

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-025-06946-1

Teaching Job Interview Skills Through a Positive ... This pilot RCT suggests that KF-STRIDE may lead to improvements in performance-based job interview skills, knowledge of one's own strengths, and ...

5. kfstride.org kfstride.org/research/

Research KF-STRIDE is based on well-validated principles of positive psychology. Our research indicates that KF-STRIDE is meaningful to the neurodiverse community and ...

6. ichgcp.net ichgcp.net/amp/clinical-trials-registry/NCT06380569

KF-STRIDE® in Autism Spectrum Disorder - ICH GCP The investigators' pilot data evaluating KF-STRIDE ... Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of NV01-A02 in Children With Autism Spectrum ...

7. rwjbh.org rwjbh.org/childrens-specialized-hospital/research/autism-research/

Autism Research | Children's Specialized Hospital The Children's Specialized Hospital Research Center's studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) cover a range of topics from the development of screening tools.