The present study aims to expand the availability of emotional supports in order to promote successful transitions and longer-term outcomes for autistic students in PSE.
This study has three specific aims: Aim 1: Identify mental health needs of autistic students to inform supports. Focus groups engaging key stakeholders will be used to understand the mental health needs of autistic college students and inform adaptation of two individualized mental health supports: 1) the ESP intervention and 2) protocols for monitoring mood and psychological distress. Aim 2: Develop resources to inform and guide mental health care of autistic students. Focus group information will inform 1) adaptation of clinician (ESP-C) and self-guided (ESP-S) emotional support plans and monitoring protocols and 2) develop a "College Student Mental Health Guide" to aide autistic college students, their families and mental health professionals in proactive planning for mental health supports during PSE. Aim 3: Assess the feasibility, acceptability and initial efficacy of the ESP-C and ESP-S. The study will yield preliminary data to apply for additional funding to conduct a large-scale trial to validate these methods to monitor and support mental health of autistic adults. Information gathered from the study will also be used to inform development of a mental health guide for autistic students.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
19
The Emotional Support Plan (ESP) is designed to help prepare students to cope with stress experienced during postsecondary education. The ESP-C is delivered by a clinician in 2 sessions.
The Emotional Support Plan (ESP) is designed to help prepare students to cope with stress experienced during postsecondary education. The ESP-S is created by the participant on their own, with the support of self-guided materials.
Rutgers University
Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
Change in distress on Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9, assessed weekly for first 6 weeks and biweekly for remaining 9 weeks, is a 9-item questionnaire of psychological function over the past week with all items on a "0" (not at all) to "3" (nearly every day) scale. Higher scores equal more distress.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period
Change in distress on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) reports
EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment) reports of decreased distress (in ESP + daily monitoring groups only). Scores range from 0(not at all) to 5 (very much). Higher scores on the item equal higher levels of distress.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period
Change in anxiety symptoms on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7)
The GAD-7, assessed weekly, is a 7-item questionnaire of anxiety symptoms over the past week with all items on a "0" (not at all) to "3" (nearly every day) scale. Higher scores equal more anxiety.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period
Change in Adult Self Report
The ASR is a measure of adaptive functioning and psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression symptoms). Most of the items are on a 3 point scale including: (0) Not true, (1) Somewhat or sometimes true, and (2) Very often or often true. Higher scores equal more symptoms.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period
Change in Adult Behavior Checklist
The ABCL is a caregiver-report measure of adaptive functioning and psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depression symptoms). Most of the items are on a 3 point scale including: (0) Not true, (1) Somewhat or sometimes true, and (2) Very often or often true. Higher scores equal more symptoms.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period
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Change in Emotion Dysregulation Inventory
The EDI is a measure of emotion dysregulation designed for use with individuals with autism. Items are rated on a scale of 0-5. Higher score equal more symptoms.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period
Change Young Adult Coping Orientation for Problem Experience (YA-COPE)
The YA-COPE is a 56-item measure designed to capture coping behaviors of college students. Items are rated on a scale of 1(never) to 5 (most of the time. Higher scores indicate more positive strategies.
Time frame: 15 week monitoring period