Study of the Launching to Adulthood Program for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluating Effects on Adaptive Skills, Transition Readiness, and Social Cognition

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the Launching to Adulthood programs effectiveness in improving adaptive functioning, readiness for transition, and social understanding in young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. The study compares this intervention to a delayed treatment group to see if it also improves executive functioning, mental health symptoms, and quality of life, as reported by both participants and their caregivers. The study also seeks to confirm earlier pilot study results with a new group of young adults with ASD. Participants will join one of two groups one receiving the Launching to Adulthood group therapy, which lasts 12 weeks and includes weekly group sessions plus individual coaching the other group will initially receive standard care consisting of a list of resources and later the same therapy. This structure allows comparison between immediate and delayed intervention effects. During the study, participants will be assessed at the start, after 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in adaptive behavior, social responsiveness, transition readiness, executive functioning, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and parental stress using standardized questionnaires and scales. The study monitors treatment effects and their maintenance over time, with a focus on both participant and caregiver reports.

A Trial of the Launching! to Adulthood Program