Actively Recruiting
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Launching! to Adulthood Program for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Updated on 2025-09-05
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the Launching! to Adulthood program's 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Trial of the Launching! to Adulthood Program
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by a licensed mental health or medical professional
- Score greater than 14 on the Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime completed with a parent
- Meet DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder using a symptom checklist
- Willing and motivated to participate in the treatment
- Have a parent willing to participate in the study
- Verbal IQ score above 70 as measured by the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test 2nd edition revised (KBIT-2-R)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of a psychotic disorder or current psychotic symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts with intent or plan
- Current severe alcohol or other substance use disorder
- Enrolled in another clinical trial for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Unwillingness to complete study procedures
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants take part in a 12-week behavioral therapy program including weekly group sessions and individual coaching.
Weekly visits for 12 weeks
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are assessed to evaluate changes after the treatment phase.
Visits at week 12 and week 24
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Antonio Pagan, PhD
K
Katherine Loveland, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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