STEPPED TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT AND POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION SUCCESS ​(STEPS)

Now Recruiting! Fill out the interest form here:  ​https://tinyurl.com/UA-STEPS
Researchers at The University of Alabama are partnering with: 

  • Arts ‘n Autism (Tuscaloosa) 
  • Bridgeway Services (Birmingham) 
  • Triumph Services (Birmingham) 
  • North Georgia Autism Foundation (NGAF)  

...to explore the impact of a new transition support program for teenagers and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Who is eligible?
  1. Participants living in Alabama or Georgia.
  2. Participants who are 16-25 with a diagnosis of autism and have a parent/informant to be involved in study. 
  3. Participants willing to be randomized to receive 12-14 week STEPS sessions, or 'services as usual' for 12-14 weeks based on the agency's practices. 
​What is STEPS?
The Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education Success (STEPS) is a program designed to support transition to growing independence among autistic adolescents and young adults. The STEPS program is highly individualized to meet the unique needs of each client. It utilizes a cognitive-behavioral model that emphasizes focus on three critical goals: 
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1) self-knowledge: awareness of one’s values, needs, strengths, and goals; goal-setting

2) self-determination: advocating for one’s self and recognizing one’s ability to choose a path/goal and act accordingly – directness; competence in ability to achieve
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3) self-regulation: monitoring, oversight, and modulation of behavior, emotion, and cognition in the service of meeting one’s goals; staying focused despite setbacks; stress management
Participation in research is necessary to receive the intervention:
  • Participants will be randomized (like flipping a coin) to receive 12-14 weeks of either STEPS sessions OR 'services as usual' based on the agency's practices 
  • Participants and their parent/informant will be asked to complete study assessments throughout participation in the study
  • Each family will earn up to $240 for completion of study requirements
Relevant Articles for more information:
  1. Improving Transition to Adulthood for Students with Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial of STEPS 
  2. Anxiety and Depression Reduction as Distal Outcomes of a College Transition Readiness Program for Adults with Autism
  3. Development of a College Transition and Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder