This project will pilot-test an Independent Life Skills Program (ILSP) for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The ILSP was developed by a group of occupational therapists at Heep Hong Society based on the theories of self-regulated learning, life management, and self-management. The ILSP is a comprehensive program covering different life skills, including personal management, home management, community integration and self-management. These life skills are essential for transitioning from young adulthood and are predictors of successful transition.
Acquiring daily life skills, including personal management, home management, community integration, and self-management, is crucial for enhancing quality of life and promoting autonomous living. However, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), encompassing both adolescents and adults, often face challenges and demonstrate limited levels of independence when it comes to engaging in these daily living skills. This pilot testing aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the ILSP for individuals with ASD. It will also pilot-test the benefits of daily living skills and confidence.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
The ILSP runs for 14 weeks, covering six areas of independent living skills and 14 weekly sessions lasting 2 hours each. The program will run in a group format with 4 participants in each group. The ILSP will be run by occupational therapists who are trained in the program delivery.
Participants do not receive the experimental treatment and will be put on a waiting list to receive the intervention after the active treatment group does.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)
The GAS takes into account that individuals have varying starting points and different desired outcomes based on their unique strengths and challenges. It is proven to be useful in reflecting personalised outcomes in intervention studies for adults with autism. The GAS uses a 5-point scale to create goals and measure progress, with -2 representing the baseline skill level. Progression from -2 to -1 indicates progress (50% better performance), and progression from -2 to 0 indicates the expected level of outcome (100% better performance).
Time frame: Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Confidence Questionnaire
This questionnaire was designed by the occupational therapists. It covers the six areas of the ILSP. Participants will be asked to rate their confidence in completing those six areas and 14 skills using an 11-point scale, from 0 as no confidence at all to 10 as full confidence. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 300.
Time frame: Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks
IADL Competency Test
Based on the content of the ILSP, the occupational therapists developed this competency test to assess participants' competence in 30 skills. The minimum score is 0 and the maximum score is 30.
Time frame: Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks
Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale - Hong Kong version (IADL Scale)
It covers nine complex daily tasks (IADL) needed to live independently (e.g., doing housework, preparing meals, taking medications properly, managing finances, using a telephone). A 4-point scoring system is used with 0, representing unable to perform to 3 representing complete independence. The score ranges from 0 - 27, with lower scores indicating less ability to complete the daily tasks.
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Time frame: Before the intervention period, and at the end of the intervention period at 14 weeks