Families FORWARD
This study was funded by the Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Research Fund and was completed in 2024. This study took a community-based approach to developing a new transition planning program for families of autistic youth on the autism spectrum. We developed the Families FORWARD program with the input of service providers and families who represent a range of perspectives across cultural backgrounds and autism-related experiences. The goal of this line of research is to improve transition planning and decrease service use disparities across the transition to adulthood for autistic youth and their families. We are currently analyzing the data and preparing publications.
ROAD Ahead
The ROAD Ahead Study was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education
Sciences (Grant # R324A160113) and was completed in 2021. The study focused on autistic high school students who planned graduate high school with a regular high school diploma. We conducted focus groups and an online survey with school personnel to better understand the interventions and support provided to these students. We then completed a longitudinal survey study with parents and autistic students to identify the predictors of optimal post-school outcomes for this population.
Study Findings:
Report 1: In Spring 2017, we conducted 5 focus groups with school personnel, including special
education teachers, transition coordinators, special education administration, vocational counselors, and related service providers. Below is a report we created to share information about assessments and curricula used with diploma-track high school students with autism that were mentioned during the focus groups.
Report 1: Assessments and Curricula to Support Diploma -Track High School Students with Autism (June 2017)
Report 2: We started longitudinal survey study in the Fall of 2017. Below is a report we created to share information about parent and youths’ perspectives of youths’ strengths.
Report 2: Parent and Youth Perspectives of Youth Strengths (September 2021)
Report 3: From Spring 2017 to Spring 2018, we asked school personnel to complete a survey about the services and supports that schools provide for diploma-track high school students on the autism
spectrum. Below is a report that summarizes findings that were published in a scientific journal (see
report for details of original publication).
Report 4: We examined the role of executive functions in the longitudinal survey study. Below is a
report we created to share information about factors associated with youth’s ability to manage daily life tasks. This report is a summary of findings that were published in a scientific journal (see report for details of original publication).
Report 5: In this report, we describe post-school outcomes for autistic young adults who graduated high school with a regular diploma. This report is a summary of findings that were published in a scientific journal (see report for details of original publication).
Report 5: Describing Outcomes in Autistic Young Adults One Year After High School Graduation
Siblings FORWARD
This study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH R34 MH111489 & Diversity Supplement R34 MH111489-01S1) and was completed in 2021. The goal of the study was to develop an online program for siblings of autistic adults focused on improving family future planning. We conducted interviews and focus groups with siblings, autistic adults, and service providers to develop the program. We then examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of the program in a small open trial and then a randomized controlled trial where participants were randomized to either the Siblings FORWARD program or an information-only program.
Study Publications:
Long, K.A., Gordillo, M., & Orsmond, G.I. (2020). Improving the validity and generalizability of adult autism research through incorporating family and cultural context. Autism in Adulthood, 2(3), 177-284. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2019.0061
Long, K.A., LaRochelle, J., Gordillo, M., Pariseau, E.M., DeCelle, M.G, & Orsmond, G. (2023). Siblings FORWARD: Development of a new program to engage siblings of autistic adults in future planning. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06178-1