Family-centered intervention for autistic youth transitioning to adulthood
Official title: Testing the Efficacy of an Adapted Family-Centered Autism Transition Intervention in a Safety Net Hospital Setting
Run by Boston Medical Center · NCT05599711 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 256 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05599711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise with family-centered interventions for autism, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.