Comparing two suicide prevention methods for autistic youth
A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum
This study is testing two different suicide prevention methods for autistic young people aged 12 to 24 to see which one works better and is easier to use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1665 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05398250 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of two tailored suicide prevention interventions for autistic youth aged 12-24. The interventions being compared are the Safety Planning Intervention tailored for Autistic individuals (SPI-A) and SPI-A plus structured follow-up contacts (SPI-A+). The study will assess primary outcomes such as suicidal ideation and behavior, as well as secondary outcomes including mental health treatment engagement and quality of life. Additionally, it will explore the perspectives of patients, clinicians, and health system administrators regarding the interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are autistic youth aged 12-24 who are at risk for suicide and able to provide informed consent or assent.
Not a fit: Patients with altered mental status that prevents them from providing informed consent or assent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective suicide prevention strategies specifically designed for autistic youth, potentially reducing rates of suicidal ideation and behavior in this vulnerable population.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting suicide prevention in autistic youth, the study builds on existing interventions that have shown promise in other populations, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patient Participants Inclusion Criteria: * 12-24 years old * Able and willing to provide informed consent (age ≥18) or assent and parental consent (age \<18) * Able to speak English * Have received a safety plan tailored for autistic youth during a clinical visit Exclusion Criteria: * Altered mental status that precludes ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania) Clinician Participants Inclusion Criteria: * Employment as a provider serving autistic patients at one of the study sites * Employment in a role that involves suicide risk intervention with youth patients at a participating clinic * Able to read and speak English * Able and willing to provide informed consent * 18-99 years old Exclusion Criteria: * There are no exclusion criteria for the clinician participants Health System Leader Participants Inclusion Criteria: * Health system or clinic leader at one of the study sites * Employed in a role that provides administrative oversight to clinicians conducting safety plans with patients * Able to read and speak English * Able and willing to provide informed consent * 18-99 years old Exclusion Criteria: * There are no exclusion criteria for the health system leader participants
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 4 other locations
- Kennedy Krieger Institute — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Nationwide Children's Hospital — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Danielle Roubinov, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Danielle Roubinov, PhD
- Email: danielle_roubinov@med.unc.edu
- Phone: 919-843-5898
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.