Prepare for college success by improving executive function, self-advocacy, and self-identification for students with ASD or ADHD
Official title: PREP - Prepare for college success by improving EF, SA and SI skills for students with a disability.
Funded at Objective Ed, INC. · NIH-11379651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A technology-enabled program uses interactive stories to help high school students with autism or ADHD practice college-transition skills and reduce stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Objective Ed, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wellington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,031,318 |
| NIH project number | 2R44MD021095-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
High school students with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD who are preparing for college.
✕Less likely to help
Students without ASD/ADHD or who are not transitioning to college may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This grant supports a scalable, tech-based intervention that uses Accessible Interactive Fiction stories to help students with ASD or ADHD practice planning, organization, help-seeking, self-advocacy, and communication with professors in a safe, virtual environment. By repeatedly simulating college-transition decisions, participants can build strategies before real-life challenges arise. The approach aims to improve daily functioning and reduce distress related to moving into post-secondary education, with attention to students from underserved communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, students with ASD or ADHD could enter college better prepared, less stressed, and more capable of using supports and accommodations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar digital coaching approaches show promise in improving transition skills, but results vary by population and implementation.
Where this research is happening
-
Objective Ed, INC.
Wellington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Marty — Objective Ed, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Marty
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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.