Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 55

Specialized employment program for adults with autism

Official title: Achieving Steady Work Among Adults With Autism Through Specialized Employment Program

Run by Stanford University · NCT04107064 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorStanford University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 30, 2019
Main results expectedDecember 2025
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 28, 2023
Trial IDNCT04107064 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Stanford University School of Medicine
    Palo Alto, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD — Stanford University
  • Study coordinator: Lawrence K Fung, MD, PhD
  • Email: lkfung@stanford.edu
  • Phone: 6504989392

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.