Specialized Employment Program for Autism

Overseen By Lawrence K Fung, MD, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Lawrence Fung

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

80 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a special employment program at Stanford, called Neurodiversity at Work (NaW), can help adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) secure and maintain jobs more effectively than traditional job support methods. Participants will either receive immediate support or begin with a typical orientation before receiving specialized help later. The goal is to enhance job stability and quality of life for individuals with ASD. The trial seeks individuals with ASD who can travel to work independently and have completed an internship or job training. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative employment solutions for 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. It focuses on employment support for individuals with autism.

What prior data suggests that this specialized employment program is safe for individuals with autism spectrum disorder?

Research has shown that special job programs, like the Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Program, help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) succeed at work. These programs aim to create a more supportive workplace tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. Although specific safety data for the NaW or NaW-DS programs is unavailable, it's important to note that these are job support programs, not medical treatments, making them generally much safer than medications.

Past studies have demonstrated that personalized support and adjustments can significantly improve job success for people with ASD without causing significant risks. For instance, one study found that participants in similar support programs achieved better employment rates. These findings suggest that the NaW and NaW-DS programs are likely safe and well-received, focusing on helping participants succeed at work and improve their quality of life. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Specialized Employment Program for Autism because it introduces a comprehensive, supportive approach tailored to individuals with autism. Unlike traditional employment programs, which often offer minimal support post-hire, the Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) group provides an intensive 6-week pre-employment training followed by personalized support from a team manager, buddy, mentor, and various counselors immediately upon onboarding. The NaW-DS group, although similar, implements a delayed support system starting six months after onboarding, allowing researchers to assess the impact of immediate versus delayed intervention. Both approaches equip managers and colleagues with specialized training to create an inclusive workplace, a feature not commonly emphasized in standard employment practices for neurodiverse individuals. This trial hopes to uncover how structured support impacts job retention and satisfaction for individuals with autism.

What evidence suggests that this trial's programs could be effective for improving employment outcomes for individuals with autism?

Research shows that special job programs, like Stanford's Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Program, can help adults with autism find and keep jobs. In this trial, participants will join either the Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Group or the Neurodiversity at Work - Delayed Start (NaW-DS) Group. Neurodiversity training, which includes coaching and support, has proven effective in helping individuals stay in jobs and earn promotions. Studies have found that people with autism who receive personalized help are more likely to maintain steady employment. The NaW Program provides structured support through mentors and counselors, enhancing job performance and quality of life for people with autism. Early findings suggest that these programs can significantly aid autistic adults in succeeding at work. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who can travel to work on their own. They should have completed an internship, pre-employment training, or both and must have a college degree. Participants need to have an IQ within the range of 60 and above, without significant current psychosocial stressors.

Inclusion Criteria

You have a level of intelligence that is equal to or greater than 90.

You need to have a certain level of intelligence, as measured by an IQ test, to participate in the study. The range is between 60 and 90.

You have completed an internship program, pre-employment training, or both.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-employment Training

Participants in the NaW group receive a 6-week Autism at Work pre-employment training.

6 weeks

Onboarding and Initial Support

Upon onboarding, NaW participants receive support from a team manager, team buddy, peer mentor, job/life skills coach, vocational rehabilitation counselor, and personal counselor for 12 weeks.

12 weeks

Delayed Support Start

NaW-DS participants start receiving support 6 months after onboarding.

6 months after onboarding

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for job retention, quality of life, and other outcomes up to 18 months after onboarding.

18 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• NaW
• NaW-DS

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of Stanford University's Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Program compared to traditional vocational support. It aims to see if NaW helps adults with ASD maintain steady jobs and improve their quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Neurodiversity at Work - Delayed Start (NaW-DS) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive typical orientation for neurotypical employees after onboarding. The support of peer mentor, job/life skills coach, vocational rehabilitation counselor, and a personal counselor will start 6 months after onboarding. Managers, co-workers, team buddies and mentors for all recruited and hired employees in both groups will receive the same specialized training to enhance their abilities to work with individuals with ASD.

Group II: Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals in this group will receive a 6-week Autism at Work pre-employment training. Upon onboarding, each individual will be supported by a team manager, a team buddy, a peer mentor, a job/life skills coach, a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and a personal counselor. Ongoing support for members of support circles will be provided during the 12 weeks immediately after onboarding.

NaW is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Neurodiversity at Work Program for:

• Employment Support for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Lawrence Fung

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

Rangam Consultants

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

3R Behavioral Solutions

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The study surveyed 123 employers to understand how vocational training impacts the sustainable employment of individuals with autism spectrum diagnosis (ASD), finding that training in vocational centers positively influences employment outcomes.

However, the research highlighted that there is insufficient support for companies in hiring autistic employees, along with a need for better education on autism-friendly workplace design and awareness among colleagues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[From the Placement Paradigm to Sustainable Support of Companies in the Integration of People with High-Functioning Autism - Results of an Employer Survey]. Reich, K., Dalferth, M.[2023]

The study created a model cell line to investigate the function of the SBDS protein, which is linked to Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), and found that SBDS is not necessary for the maturation of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

However, SBDS knockdown cells showed increased sensitivity to apoptosis, suggesting that the SBDS protein plays a crucial role in the survival of granulocyte precursor cells, which could have implications for understanding bone marrow failure in SDS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is not necessary for the terminal maturation of neutrophils but is important for maintaining viability of granulocyte precursors. Yamaguchi, M., Fujimura, K., Toga, H., et al.[2022]

In a study of 10 patients with congenital neutropenia (CN) and intellectual disability (ID), whole-exome sequencing (WES) successfully identified a molecular diagnosis in 40% of cases, highlighting its potential for uncovering genetic causes in complex conditions.

The study revealed three distinct sub-groups of patients, indicating that neutropenia and associated syndromic features may arise from different genetic mutations, suggesting a need for personalized diagnostic and treatment approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application of whole-exome sequencing to unravel the molecular basis of undiagnosed syndromic congenital neutropenia with intellectual disability. Gauthier-Vasserot, A., Thauvin-Robinet, C., Bruel, AL., et al.[2020]

The Sixth International Congress on Shwachman-Diamond syndrome brought together global researchers to share the latest findings on this complex condition, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing understanding.

The discussions at the congress focused on both clinical and basic science aspects of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, indicating ongoing efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sixth International Congress on Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: from patients to genes and back. Liu, JM., Lipton, JM., Mani, S.[2021]

A study involving ten adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ten supervisors identified four key themes for improving workplace success: leveraging individual strengths, reducing social demands, ensuring clear communication, and increasing ASD awareness among staff.

There were notable differences in expectations and accommodations between adults with ASD and their supervisors, suggesting that a better understanding of these perspectives can enhance employment outcomes for individuals with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dual perspectives in autism spectrum disorders and employment: Toward a better fit in the workplace. Diener, ML., Wright, CA., Taylor, C., et al.[2021]

Neurodiversity is essential in the national security sector, as individuals with cognitive differences, such as autism and ADHD, can offer unique problem-solving skills and creativity needed for complex challenges.

The study highlights both the benefits of employing neurodivergent individuals and the barriers to their recruitment and management, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt their practices to fully leverage the strengths of a neurodiverse workforce.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurodiversity and National Security: How to Tackle National Security Challenges with a Wider Range of Cognitive Talents. Weinbaum, C., Khan, O., Thomas, TD., et al.[2023]

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting fewer than 100 individuals in France, characterized by pancreatic failure and low white blood cell counts due to abnormal granulocyte development.

The case study of a 23-year-old woman highlights the clinical features, diagnostic processes, and management strategies for this condition, emphasizing the importance of tailored medical care in rare diseases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: a case report]. Kaabar, M., Lemaire, P., Cussac, V., et al.[2021]

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a complex disorder that affects multiple systems in the body, leading to issues like pancreatic insufficiency and immune dysfunction.

Children with this syndrome are particularly vulnerable to infections, with pneumonia, recurrent ear infections, and skin infections being the most common complications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Infections in patients with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. Grinspan, ZM., Pikora, CA.[2019]

A study exploring employment outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Australia and Sweden identified three key themes that influence successful employment: Knowledge and Understanding of ASD, Work Environment, and Job Match.

The findings suggest that a holistic approach, where employers are educated about ASD, is crucial for creating supportive work environments that enhance employment success for individuals with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Success Factors Enabling Employment for Adults on the Autism Spectrum from Employers' Perspective. Dreaver, J., Thompson, C., Girdler, S., et al.[2020]

The CommunityWorks Canada® program, lasting 12 weeks and involving 76 participants, effectively improved employment readiness in youth with autism spectrum disorder, as shown by reduced concerns in areas like job skills and communication.

Qualitative feedback from participants, parents, and community partners indicated significant personal development and increased comfort in work settings, highlighting the program's positive impact on understanding autism and promoting inclusive hiring practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Review of CommunityWorks Canada®: Toward Employability Among High School-Age Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nicholas, DB., Mitchell, W., Zulla, R., et al.[2020]

Citations

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Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the ... Neurodiversity is defined and discussed from the perspectives of neuroscience, psychology and campaigners with lived experience.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04107064

Achieving Steady Work Among Adults With Autism Through ... The investigators predict that Stanford University's Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Program will improve employment outcomes and positively impact the overall ...

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Neurodiversity at Work 2023 Currently, only coaching is supported as effective for long-term outcomes such as retention and promotion in research. 6.3. Where to go for Support. There ...

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Neurodiversity at Work - Stanford Medicine We are interested in examining the effects of specialized employment support programs for adults with autism.

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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders This study examined whether the benefits of neurodiversity training coupled with diagnostic disclosure extend to the general population and persist over time.

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Neurodiversity Statistics & Research Data Neurodiversity statistics reveal both the scale and workplace impact of cognitive differences including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent ...

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Protocol for a Mixed Methods Cohort Study - PMC In this study protocol, we describe a framework for a new end-to-end supported workplace program for adults with autism that encompasses 8 key areas to promote ...

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Neurodiversity in the workplace | Deloitte Insights We explore the value of embracing and incorporating neurodivergent workers, and provide a framework for thinking through hiring, screening, and retention ...

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Neurodiversity in the Workplace Research shows autistic individuals have the lowest employment rates across all disabilities; autistic college graduates fare no better than ...