NCT04107064 · Lawrence Fung
Achieving Steady Work Among Adults With Autism Through Specialized Employment Program
What this study is about
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significantly higher levels of unemployment and underemployment compared to their typically developing peers and all other groups with neurodevelopmental disorders, even though major companies that have employed and trained young people with ASD acclaim their significant innovations in their companies.
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Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significantly higher levels of unemployment and underemployment compared to their typically developing peers and all other groups with neurodevelopmental disorders, even though major companies that have employed and trained young people with ASD acclaim their significant innovations in their companies. The investigators hope to examine the effects of specialized employment support programs, over current traditional vocational rehabilitation approaches, for adults with ASD on their ability to maintain steady employment and overall benefit to the organizations at which they will be employed. The investigators predict that Stanford University's Neurodiversity at Work (NaW) Program will improve employment outcomes and positively impact the overall quality of life of individuals with ASD in this program. The investigators hope that the findings of the study will lead to the advancement of programs aimed to support individuals with ASD.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
NaW
Participants will receive assistance with finding employment, onboarding, training, and so on.
BEHAVIORAL
NaW-DS
Participants will receive assistance with onboarding and training 6 months after the initiation of their employment.
Primary outcome measures
Job Retention Rates
Time frame: Before onboarding for NaW arm; 6 months after onboarding for NaW-DS arm; 15 months after onboarding for both arms.
Compare job retention rates resulting from NaW starting before onboarding and NaW starting 6 months after onboarding (NaW-DS). The investigators predict that the NaW program will result in a higher rate of sustained employment in adults with ASD 15 months after onboarding when compared to NaW-DS.
Duration of Sustained Employment
Time frame: 15 months after onboarding.
Compare duration of sustained employment for NaW and NaW-DS. The investigators predict that the NaW program will result in a longer duration of sustained employment as compared to NaW-DS.
Costs of Employee Turnover
Time frame: 15 months after onboarding.
Determine the costs of employee turnover achieved from the NaW and NaW-DS.
Rates of Job Offers
Time frame: 15 months after onboarding.
Compare rates of job offers between internship programs and pre-employment training programs.
World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment [WHOQOL-100]
Time frame: At screening, 3 months after onboarding at job position, 6 months after onboarding, 12 months after onboarding, 15 months after onboarding, 18 months after onboarding.
Measures individuals' perceptions of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. Purpose of measure: compare the change in Quality of Life (QoL) between NaW and NaW-DS for adults with ASD at month 15 post-onboarding; compare the trajectories of change in QoL between NaW and NaW-DS for adults with ASD over time. This scale consists of four domains: physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment. A higher score indicates a better quality of life, while a lower score indicates a lower quality of life. There is a total of 100 items in this scale. The minimum score is 100, with the highest score being 500. The five point scale ranges from "Not at all" to " Extremely" (or "Completely" or "Very satisfied"). Subscales are combined to produce a total score.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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
- Palo Alto, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 28, 2023 · Source of record for eligibility and locations