Family-centered intervention for autistic youth transitioning to adulthood
Testing the Efficacy of an Adapted Family-Centered Autism Transition Intervention in a Safety Net Hospital Setting
NA · Boston Medical Center · NCT05599711
This study is testing a family-focused program to see if it helps autistic teens and young adults, aged 14-21, transition to adulthood better than usual care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 256 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05599711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Transitioning Together intervention, which consists of a family-centered approach to support autistic youth aged 14-21 and their families during the transition to adulthood. The intervention includes one individual family session and four multi-family group sessions, focusing on enhancing youth quality of life and achieving individual transition goals. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving usual care, with assessments conducted at baseline and three to six months post-intervention. The study aims to improve not only the youth's outcomes but also the overall family well-being and coping skills.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English or Spanish-speaking families with youth aged 14-21 who have a confirmed autism diagnosis and live at home with a parent or legal guardian.
Not a fit: Patients who reside independently or in foster care, or whose primary home language is not English or Spanish, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life and transition outcomes for autistic youth and their families.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with family-centered interventions for autism, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for youth: * Age 14 to 21 years old * Be enrolled in high school or a specialized continued schooling program for youth ages 18 to 21. * Has been seen at BMC at least once since 2015 * Confirmation of the autism diagnosis * Currently live at home with a parent/legal guardian * A parent/legal guardian who meets the below criteria Inclusion Criteria for parents: * Age at least 21 years old * Parent/legal guardian of a youth who meets the youth criteria * Parent/legal guardian is comfortable reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English and/or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * A primary home language for the family is not English or Spanish (the intervention and assessments are only available in English and Spanish) * The autistic youth currently resides independently, in supported housing, or with a foster family or other Department of Children and Families (DCF) placement * Either the youth or their parent/guardian chooses not to participate in the study (one cannot participate without the other)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jocelyn L Kuhn, PhD — Emory School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mei L Elansary, MD
- Email: mei.elansary@bmc.org
- Phone: 617-414-6373
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.
Conditions: Autism or Autistic Traits, Family Relations, Multi-family group intervention sessions, Psychoeducational autism transition-to-adulthood, Problem-solving education, Quality of life of autistic youth, Goal attainment, Parent-youth dyad