Autism Transition to Adulthood Groups (ATAG)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Peer-group intervention to promote successful transition to adulthood for autistic people: A feasibility RCT of Autism Transition to Adulthood Groups (ATAG)
IRAS ID
321840
Contact name
Kate Cooper
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Our project will improve understanding of how social care professionals can enhance the life chances of autistic people without intellectual disability. We will conduct a feasibility study to learn if it is realistic and possible to conduct a research project testing a new intervention. This group intervention will support autistic people in a successful transition to adulthood.
Over the next 10 years, in the UK ~175,000 autistic people will engage in transition to adulthood. This is a challenging time, as they face the demands of adult life while support decreases.
This research aims to understand how possible it is to find 70 people who agree to take part, and if they are willing to continue taking part in the study. It will tell us if it is possible to do a bigger study to see if the intervention is effective.
We will recruit 70 autistic people aged 16-25 years old to take part in the study. They will be randomly allocated to receive usual care, or the new group intervention. Thirty-five people will receive the new intervention.
The intervention is being developed by young autistic adults and autism professionals. It involves six online group sessions, facilitated by an autistic young adult and two social care professionals. It will cover different topics including understanding the autism label, identifying your needs and understanding your rights, and where to get help. Carers, nominated by each participant, will also be offered online resources to learn about these topics.
Participants will complete questionnaires measuring well-being, interpersonal support, autism social identity, loneliness, and quality of life before the intervention starts, and after 3- and 12- months. We will also invite participants to be interviewed to find out their views on the intervention and taking part in the study.
Autistic people are involved in the research project. The intervention and research has been designed in collaboration with a group of autistic people.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
23/WA/0113
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion