Testing an Evidence-Based Supported Employment Model in Autistic Young Adults
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-40
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis
About this trial
This study aims to enhance employment outcomes for young adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the implementation of an evidence-based supported employment model known as Individual Placement and Support for Autism (IPS-AUT). The study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of IPS-AUT in promoting Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The trial will involve partnerships with supported employment agencies, training providers in IPS-AUT, and assessing employment outcomes and implementation factors. The ultimate goal is to create a scalable, evidence-based employment support model for individuals with autism.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Community diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, demonstrated by a letter from a healthcare provider, psychologist, other mental health professional, Regional Center representative, or school psychologist.
Aged 18-40 years.
Minimum 4th-grade reading level (approximately mild ID).
Not currently employed but seeking employment.
Disqualifiers
None
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Individualized Placement and Support Model
BehavioralThe Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model is an evidence-based approach to supported employment designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve and maintain competitive integrated employment (CIE). IPS emphasizes person-centered planning, rapid engagement, and focusing on individual strengths and preferences. Key features include prioritizing CIE, eligibility based on the desire to work, integration of employment services with mental health support, rapid job searches, tailored job development, and time-unlimited, individualized support. IPS also provides benefits counseling to help participants manage employment while maintaining government benefits. For this study, IPS is adapted to meet the needs of autistic individuals by enhancing provider training and family involvement to improve outcomes.
Supportive Employment Intervention
BehavioralThis intervention consists of a weekly series of sessions designed for adult consumers, incorporating supportive elements inspired by the ACCESS (Acquiring Career, Coping, Executive, and Social Skills) program developed at the UC Davis MIND Institute. The sessions will provide time to discuss consumer experiences, give general guidance and some training in employment-related skills, including resume building, job interviewing, and strategies for giving and receiving feedback in the workplace.
Treatment groups
60 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Treatment Group - Agencies Receiving IPSExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Control Group - Agencies Receiving Supportive Employment InterventionActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Feasibility of IPS Implementation
Measure: Agency feasibility ratings and IPS fidelity reviews. Assessment Method: Trained IPS fidelity reviews will assess fidelity using the IPS Fidelity Scale (Bond et al., 2012) at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Additionally, feasibility will be assessed through participant, parent, and provider ratings on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not feasible at all, 5 = highly feasible). Expect outcome: Achieve good fidelity at the 12-month fidelity review. Achieve at least 75% feasibility.
Time frame
18 months2
Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Attainment
Measure: CIE attainment log Assessment Method: Monthly reports on employment status will be collected via phone or in virtual meetings with providers. Employment status will be categorized as "Employed in CIE," "Not Employed," or "Transitioned Out of CIE." Expect outcome: Minimum of 50% CIE attainment success.
Time frame
18 months3
Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Retention
Measure: CIE retention log Assessment Method: Monthly reports on employment status will be collected via phone or in virtual meetings with providers. Employment status will be verified as "Employed in CIE," "Not Employed," or "Transitioned Out of CIE." Expect outcome: Minimum of 50% CIE retention.
Time frame
18 months4
Acceptability of IPS Implementation
Measure: Participant, parent, and provider satisfaction. Assessment Method: Surveys using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not satisfied at all, 5 = very satisfied) to assess satisfaction with IPS services and overall perceived value of the intervention. Expect outcome: Achieve at least 75% acceptability.
Time frame
18 monthsSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov