Share or Not to Share: A Peer-Led Support Program for Caregivers of Autistic Young Adults
Official title: To Share or Not To Share: Navigating Disclosure and Stigma Among Family Caregivers of Autistic Young Adults_Group Intervention
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT07856927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A group, peer-led program tests how six virtual sessions can support family caregivers of autistic young adults (ages 18–26) in navigating roles, sharing experiences, and planning for the future.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07856927 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are primary caregivers of an autistic family member aged 18–26 who are proficient in English and can provide consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Caregivers who do not engage with the session content or who prefer professional-only guidance may see limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an interventional program for primary caregivers of autistic young adults, delivered as six 60-minute virtual sessions with an optional sixth celebration session. The study also collects feedback through multiple surveys and includes an optional one-on-one interview to understand caregiver experiences. Sessions are led by peers with lived experience to reflect on caregiving roles, daily life, family decision-making, and disclosure of experiences. Content is informed by caregiver interviews, including both spoken and unspoken aspects of navigating transition to young adulthood. Participation is limited to English-speaking primary caregivers who can consent for a family member aged 18–26 with an autism diagnosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Participants may gain practical strategies, validation, and peer support to cope with caregiving challenges during their young adult’s transition.
How similar studies have gone: Peer-led caregiver support approaches have shown positive feedback in similar transitions, though this exact format is novel for this specific caregiver population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Has a family member aged 18-26 who has received an autism-related diagnosis from a healthcare professional * Must be a primary caregiver for this family member * Must be able to speak, understand, and read English well * Participants will be able to provide consent themselves. Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of proficiency in English * Not a primary caregiver for a family member with autism aged 18-26 * Individuals requiring a guardian to provide consent will be excluded
Where it's running
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University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sang Qin, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Sang Qin, PhD
- Email: sqin38@wisc.edu
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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.