Specialized employment program for adults with autism

Achieving Steady Work Among Adults With Autism Through Specialized Employment Program

NA · Stanford University · NCT04107064

This study tests whether a specialized job support program can help adults with autism keep their jobs and improve their quality of life compared to those who start the program later.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University (other)
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT04107064 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effects of a specialized employment support program, Stanford University's Neurodiversity at Work (NaW), on job retention and quality of life for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It compares outcomes for participants who start the program before onboarding versus those who start six months later. The goal is to understand how these programs can improve employment outcomes and overall well-being for individuals with ASD. The findings aim to enhance future employment support initiatives for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-55 with autism who have completed pre-employment training and can travel to work independently.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders or those who do not meet the specified cognitive and educational criteria may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve job retention and quality of life for adults with autism.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research on specialized employment programs for adults with ASD, similar initiatives have shown promise in improving employment outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Moderately functioning group of participants:

  * Males and females with ASD
  * Between the ages of 18-55
  * No significant current psychosocial stressors per history
  * Able to travel to work independently
  * Attended either an internship program, pre-employment training, or both
  * Possess an IQ between 60 and 90
* High functioning group of participants:

  * Males and females with ASD
  * Between the ages of 18-55
  * No significant current psychosocial stressors per history
  * Able to travel to work independently
  * Attended either an internship program, pre-employment training, or both
  * Possess a college degree
  * Possess an IQ of 90 or above

Exclusion criteria:

* DSM-5 diagnosis of other severe psychiatric disorder such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Neurodiversity, ASD, Employment, Neurodiverse

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.