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

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significantly higher levels of unemployment and underemployment compared to their typically developing peers and all other groups with neurodevelopmental disorders, even though major companies that have employed and trained young people with ASD acclaim their significant innovations in their companies. The investigators hope to examine the effects of specialized employment support programs, over current traditional vocational rehabilitation approaches, for adults with ASD on their ability to maintain steady employment and overall benefit to the organizations at which they will be employed. The investigators predict that Stanford University's Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Program will improve employment outcomes and positively impact the overall quality of life of individuals with ASD in this program. The investigators hope that the findings of the study will lead to the advancement of programs aimed to support individuals 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.

Is the Specialized Employment Program for Autism safe for participants?

The available research does not provide specific safety data for the Specialized Employment Program for Autism or its related programs. However, the CommunityWorks Canada® program, which shares similar goals, reported positive changes in participants' personal development and work proficiency without mentioning any safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Neurodiversity at Work Program treatment different from other autism treatments?

The Neurodiversity at Work Program is unique because it focuses on specialized employment support for individuals with autism, rather than medical or behavioral interventions. This program aims to enhance workplace inclusion and support, which is not typically addressed by standard autism treatments. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Research Team

Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

References

1. Germany 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]. [2023]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dual perspectives in autism spectrum disorders and employment: Toward a better fit in the workplace. [2021]

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

Success Factors Enabling Employment for Adults on the Autism Spectrum from Employers' Perspective. [2020]

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

Neurodiversity and National Security: How to Tackle National Security Challenges with a Wider Range of Cognitive Talents. [2023]

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

A Review of CommunityWorks Canada®: Toward Employability Among High School-Age Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder. [2020]

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

Application of whole-exome sequencing to unravel the molecular basis of undiagnosed syndromic congenital neutropenia with intellectual disability. [2020]

7. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: a case report]. [2021]

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

Sixth International Congress on Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: from patients to genes and back. [2021]

9. Netherlands 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. [2022]

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

Infections in patients with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. [2019]