Launching! to Adulthood program for young adults with autism
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Launching! to Adulthood Program
This program tests whether the Launching intervention helps young adults with autism improve daily living skills, readiness for adult roles, and social thinking compared with a delayed-treatment group.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (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 | NCT06868537 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study delivers the group-based Launching! to Adulthood intervention to young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and compares outcomes to a delayed treatment control group. Outcomes are measured by caregiver and self-report instruments targeting adaptive functioning, transition readiness, and social cognition, with secondary measures of executive function, co-occurring mental health symptoms, and quality of life. Treatment effects are reassessed 12 weeks after the intervention to measure maintenance of gains. The trial aims to replicate a prior pilot of the Launching program in an independent sample at a single academic site.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are verbally able young adults with a confirmed ASD diagnosis, a verbal IQ >70, a parent willing to participate, and motivation to engage in group-based treatment.
Not a fit: People with a history of psychotic disorder or current psychotic symptoms, severe substance use disorder, active suicidal intent, inability or unwillingness to complete procedures, concurrent enrollment in another ASD trial, or verbal IQ ≤70 are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could gain improved daily living skills, better preparation for adult roles, and stronger social-cognitive abilities that enhance independence and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot of the Launching program reported promising improvements, but evidence is limited and this trial seeks independent replication.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * confirmed case of ASD from a licensed mental health or medical professional * score of \>14 on the Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime (SCQ-L) 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 * willing and motivated to participate in the treatment * a parent willing to participate * verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) score \>70 as assessed by the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test 2nd edition revised (KBIT-2-R) 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
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.