Helping autistic adults find meaningful jobs in the community
Official title: A pilot trial of the Individualized Placement and Support model in autistic adults in the community
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11037772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special job support program can help autistic adults find and keep good jobs that match their skills and interests, making it easier for them to succeed in the workplace.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $257,612 |
| NIH project number | 1R34MH138725-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are autistic adults aged 21 and older who are seeking employment or are currently underemployed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on the autism spectrum or those who are not actively seeking employment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving employment outcomes for autistic adults by implementing the Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model, which is a person-centered approach to supported employment. The study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of this model in helping individuals secure competitive integrated employment. Participants will receive tailored support to match their skills and interests with job opportunities, addressing the significant gap in employment for this population. The research builds on previous pilot studies that have shown promising results in increasing employment rates among autistic individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance job placement and retention for autistic adults, leading to improved quality of life and mental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using the IPS model have shown success in improving employment outcomes for individuals with various disabilities, indicating a strong potential for this approach in the autistic population.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solomon, Marjorie — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Solomon, Marjorie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.