What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include psychosocial interventions and dietary supplements. Psychosocial interventions, such as social skills training and cognitive-behavioral therapy, generally have minimal side effects but may cause temporary emotional discomfort as individuals work through challenging social scenarios. Dietary supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, are generally well-tolerated but can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea and diarrhea. It is important to use these supplements cautiously in individuals with bleeding disorders or fish allergies. Overall, these treatments are considered safe but should be tailored to individual needs and monitored by healthcare professionals.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), primarily targeting irritability and behavioral symptoms. Notably, risperidone and aripiprazole are approved for treating irritability associated with ASD in children and adolescents. These medications help manage symptoms such as aggression, self-injury, and severe tantrums. While the STEPS program focuses on community-based interventions to improve transition outcomes for youth with ASD, pharmacologic treatments like risperidone and aripiprazole can be part of a comprehensive approach, addressing behavioral challenges that may hinder successful transitions.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to the STEPS program for improving transition outcomes for youth with ASD include: 1) Project SEARCH plus ASD Supports, which has strong empirical support for competitive employment outcomes, and 2) BOOST-A™, an online transition planning program that has shown feasibility and viability in pilot studies.

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STEPS Program for Autism

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Susan W White

Research Sponsored by University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be younger than 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up week 14

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests the STEPS program, which helps young adults with autism learn important life skills for independence. It focuses on youth with autism who struggle more with jobs and education. The program aims to improve their ability to live independently by teaching self-awareness and decision-making skills.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for young people aged 16-25 with a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They must be on stable medication and have a caregiver willing to participate. It's not open to individuals with intellectual disabilities or those showing suicidal intent.

What is being tested?

The STEPS program, aimed at improving transitions for youth with ASD, is being tested in the community. The study will refine the program with stakeholder input before trialing it with about 25 participants to assess its feasibility and initial effectiveness.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves an educational program rather than a medical intervention, traditional physical side effects are not applicable. However, participants may experience stress or anxiety due to new routines or social interactions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ week 14

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~week 14

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and week 14 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Adult Functioning Scale

Rehabilitation Success

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: STEPSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

All participants receive the STEPS intervention

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

STEPS

2014

N/A

~270

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Autism, particularly community-based interventions like the STEPS Program, focus on structured support systems that include educational and vocational training, social skills development, and individualized planning. These interventions aim to enhance functional independence and social integration for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Understanding these mechanisms is crucial as they address the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD during critical transition periods, such as moving from school to adulthood, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Through the Looking Glass: A Scoping Review of Cinema and Video Therapy.Autism-Centered Therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (ACT4CAS): A Single-Case Experimental Design Study.Statistical design and analysis in trials of proportionate interventions: a systematic review.