Culturally adapted program for Latino youth with autism transitioning to adulthood
Developing a Culturally Adapted Intervention for Latino Youth Transitioning to Adulthood
This study is testing a new program designed to help Latino young adults with autism and their parents as they transition to adulthood, focusing on mental health and motivation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06107972 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of the ¡Iniciando! la Adultez program, a culturally refined intervention designed for Latino young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning to adulthood. The program incorporates cultural values and aims to support both the young adults and their parents in managing mental health challenges, executive functioning, and motivation. It also seeks to identify preliminary neural mechanisms of action and biomarkers related to treatment response through assessments before and after the intervention. The study involves 15 participants aged 18-25 and their parents, focusing on enhancing their transition experience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Latino young adults aged 18-25 with a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and their parents.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychotic disorders or severe substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the transition to adulthood for Latino youth with autism by addressing their unique cultural and mental health needs.
How similar studies have performed: While culturally adapted interventions for autism are gaining attention, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * confirmed case of ASD * a score of \>14 on the Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime (SCQ-L110) completed with the mother or father * meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD based on a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 ASD symptom checklist * previous diagnosis of ASD from a licensed mental health or medical professional * speak English * have a parent willing to participate (treatment group only) * score \>85 on verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2) Exclusion Criteria: * history of a psychotic disorder or current psychotic symptoms * suicidal ideation with intent or plan * current alcohol or other substance use disorder rated severe * concurrent enrollment in another clinical trial for autism spectrum disorder * expression of unwillingness to complete study procedures * For fMRI, unable to undergo fMRI scanning due to metallic devices or objects (cardiac pacemaker or neurostimulator, some artificial joints, metal pins, surgical clips, or other implanted metal parts) or claustrophobic to the scanner.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Antonio Pagan, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Antonio Pagan, PhD
- Email: Antonio.Pagan@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 486-2700
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.