# Stepped Transition in Education Program for Emerging Adults with Autism: Pilot Effectiveness Trial

> **NIH NIH R34** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN TUSCALOOSA · 2023 · $223,500

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 The long-term goal of this research is to improve adult outcomes for people with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). Adolescents and young adults with ASD tend to have worse outcomes, with respect to employment,
education, and quality of life, than neurotypical peers. These outcomes include under-enrollment into college,
unemployment, and limited functional independence. Research-informed transition planning that addresses
core impairments in skills related to adult autonomy, including self-knowledge, self-determination, and self-
regulation, may improve outcomes for this growing population. In prior research, we developed a stakeholder-
involved transition program (STEPS: Stepped Transition in Education Program for Students with ASD) and
found it to be feasible, acceptable, and efficacious. Data from a small randomized controlled trial (RCT)
focusing on feasibility indicated that it was acceptable to participants and suggested STEPS was effective in
improving readiness for transition to adulthood. We will now test the effectiveness of STEPS, and engagement
of target mechanisms, in partnership with four community agencies. This study is designed as a Hybrid Type 1,
which focuses primarily on intervention effectiveness with a secondary focus on factors related to
implementation. We assess the immediate (post-treatment) and longer-term (six month follow-up) clinical
outcomes of adult functional outcomes and vocational engagement. We will also determine the degree to
which STEPS leads to change in the theoretical mediating mechanisms (i.e., adult autonomy skills) and
formally test mediation (i.e., the degree to which change in adult autonomy skills leads to change in adult
functional outcomes). From the providers, we will seek qualitative information on implementation such as
thoughts on STEPS’ cultural sensitivity, and quantitative data on the appropriateness, feasibility, and
acceptability of STEPS. We also track providers’ sustained use of STEPS with their clients in the six months
after study enrollment has ended. This research will produce findings that have the potential to shift clinical
practice related to transition to adulthood for people with ASD. In light of the fact that approximately 70,000
people with ASD age into adulthood every year and the economic burden associated with ASD, the potential
public health impact of this research is considerable.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10569919
- **Project number:** 1R34MH131599-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN TUSCALOOSA
- **Principal Investigator:** Susan Williams White
- **Activity code:** R34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $223,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-01-01 → 2025-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10569919

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10569919, Stepped Transition in Education Program for Emerging Adults with Autism: Pilot Effectiveness Trial (1R34MH131599-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10569919. Licensed CC0.

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