Testing an Evidence-Based Supported Employment Model in Autistic Young Adults

Официальное название

A Pilot Trial of the Individualized Placement and Support Model in Autistic Adults in the Community

Обзор

This study aims to enhance employment outcomes for young adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the implementation of an evidence-based supported employment model known as Individual Placement and Support for Autism (IPS-AUT). The study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of IPS-AUT in promoting Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The trial will involve partnerships with supported employment agencies, training providers in IPS-AUT, and assessing employment outcomes and implementation factors. The ultimate goal is to create a scalable, evidence-based employment support model for individuals with autism.

Подробное описание

This study builds on prior research and pilot testing of IPS in the autism and IDD community by implementing a 12-month Hybrid Type 1 trial to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of IPS-AUT. The current study will include three primary aims:

Consumer Support Toolbox Development: Using data from previous focus groups, researchers will develop and test a Consumer Support Toolbox (CST) to align IPS services with autistic consumer needs.

IPS-AUT Implementation and Outcomes Evaluation: A 12-month Hybrid Type 1 trial will assess feasibility, acceptability, fidelity to IPS standards, and employment outcomes. The study aims for a minimum 50% success rate in Competitive Integrated Employment and at least 75% feasibility and acceptability.

Mediators of Employment Outcomes: Researchers will explore the role of parent/carer engagement and work-related social cognition in improving employment success.

This trial is designed to prepare for a larger R01-funded study by refining implementation strategies and addressing key barriers. Participants will include young adults with autism, their employment providers, and caregivers, with data collected through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and standardized assessments. The study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and conducted in collaboration with supported employment agencies in California.

Вмешательства

• Поведенческое Individualized Placement and Support Model
  The Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model is an evidence-based approach to supported employment designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve and maintain competitive integrated employment (CIE). IPS emphasizes person-centered planning, rapid engagement, and focusing on individual strengths and preferences. Key features include prioritizing CIE, eligibility based on the desire to work, integration of employment services with mental health support, rapid job searches, tailored
• Поведенческое Supportive Employment Intervention
  This intervention consists of a weekly series of sessions designed for adult consumers, incorporating supportive elements inspired by the ACCESS (Acquiring Career, Coping, Executive, and Social Skills) program developed at the UC Davis MIND Institute. The sessions will provide time to discuss consumer experiences, give general guidance and some training in employment-related skills, including resume building, job interviewing, and strategies for giving and receiving feedback in the workplace.

Первичные конечные точки

• Feasibility of IPS Implementation [Срок оценки: 18 months]
• Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Attainment [Срок оценки: 18 months]
• Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Retention [Срок оценки: 18 months]
• Acceptability of IPS Implementation [Срок оценки: 18 months]
• Parent/Carer Engagement [Срок оценки: 18 months]
• Work-Related Social Cognition [Срок оценки: 18 months]

Критерии участия

Inclusion Criteria: California supported employment agency clients meeting the following criteria:

• Community diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, demonstrated by a letter from a healthcare provider, psychologist, other mental health professional, Regional Center representative, or school psychologist.
• Aged 18-40 years.
• Minimum 4th-grade reading level (approximately mild ID).
• Not currently employed but seeking employment.

Критерии исключения

\- Not interested in employment.

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Нет

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Открытое

Основная цель

Лечение

Центры проведения

США · 2 центра

• University of California, Davis MIND Institute — Sacramento
• University of California, Davis MIND Institute — Sacramento

Публикации

• Drake RE, Bond GR, Goldman HH, Hogan MF, Karakus M. Individual Placement And Support Services Boost Employment For People With Serious Mental Illnesses, But Funding Is Lacking. Health Aff (Millwood). 2016 Jun 1;35(6):1098-105. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2016.0001. PMID 27269028
• Bond GR, Becker DR, Drake RE, Rapp CA, Meisler N, Lehman AF, Bell MD, Blyler CR. Implementing supported employment as an evidence-based practice. Psychiatr Serv. 2001 Mar;52(3):313-22. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.52.3.313. PMID 11239097
• Bond GR, Drake RE, Becker DR. Generalizability of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment outside the US. World Psychiatry. 2012 Feb;11(1):32-9. doi: 10.1016/j.wpsyc.2012.01.005. PMID 22295007
• Drake RE, Bond GR, Mascayano F. Modification of the Individual Placement and Support Model of Supported Employment. Psychiatr Serv. 2023 Jun 1;74(6):656-658. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220484. Epub 2023 Jan 31. PMID 36718603
• Solomon M, Yon-Hernandez JA, Ruder S, McGurk SR, Tancredi D, Takarae Y, Stahmer AC. A randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and work outcomes of individualized placement and support adapted for autistic adults in the community. Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2025 Aug 19;47:101536. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2025.101536. eCollection 2025 Oct. PMID 40893727

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT06829264 · 2024578

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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