Evaluation of the effectiveness of an online transition planning program for adolescents on the autism spectrum: trial protocol

Abstract

BackgroundThe transition from high school to post-secondary education and work is difficult for adolescents on the autism spectrum. Transition planning can be an effective way of supporting adolescents on the autism spectrum to prepare for leaving school and to succeed in obtaining employment; however, there is a need for an autism-specific transition planning program with proven effectiveness. This paper describes a trial protocol for evaluating the Better OutcOmes & Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST-A™); an online interactive program that empowers adolescents on the autism spectrum to plan their transition from school to further study, training, or employment.MethodsThe trial will involve adolescents on the autism spectrum in high school and their parents, who will be alternately assigned to a control group (regular practice) or an intervention group (using the BOOST-A™). The BOOST-A™ was developed using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, and is based on the self-determination model, and the strengths- and technology-based approaches. It involves participants completing a series of online modules. The primary outcome will be self-determination, because high self-determination has been linked to successful transition to employment among adolescents on the autism spectrum. Secondary outcomes will include domain-specific self-determination, career planning and exploration, quality of life, and environmental support. Data will be obtained from questionnaires completed by the adolescent on the autism spectrum and their parent/s. Data collection will take place at baseline (Time point 1) and 12 months later (Time point 2).Discussion and conclusionsThis trial will provide evidence of the effectiveness of the BOOST-A™ to assist adolescents on the autism spectrum to successfully transition from school. Trial registration #ACTRN12615000119594

Effectiveness of the BOOST-A™ online transition planning program for adolescents on the autism spectrum: a quasi-randomized controlled trial

“…The trial was a cluster group, two-arm, superiority trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. The full details of the study protocol have been published elsewhere [ 21 ].…”

“…The Social Responsiveness Scale–Second Edition (SRS-2) [ 35 ] was used to classify autism severity based on a raw cut-off score of 57 [ 36 ]. Detailed information about the outcome measures and their psychometric properties was previously published in a study protocol paper [ 21 ].…”

Early diagnosis and adulthood transition in autism spectrum disorders (ASD): How primary care helps to close the gaps

“…Unfortunately, the current U.S. healthcare system has few structured medical transition protocols in place [29,30]. Fewer than 20% of young people with ASD receive healthcare transition services, and fewer than 50% have the opportunity to discuss the transition to an adult provider with their paediatricians [31].…”

Proof of concept: The TRANSITION program for young adults with autism spectrum disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…The diversity of transition-related interventions specifically developed for people with NDDs is currently starting to increase. Some comprehensive transition programmes preparing school-aged adolescents for adulthood have recently been developed [37,38], and there are a few programmes with a specific focus on vocational needs [39]. Preliminary support is also appearing for some programmes tailored specifically for the early years of adulthood.…”