Social Groups for Autistic Young Adults
The Social Connections and Treatment Lab (SCTL) at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute (AJDAI – Life Course Outcomes [LCO]) is recruiting autistic adults (ages 21-30 years old) who have graduated from a high school or equivalent program to take part in a research study. The goal of this study is to understand the experiences of autistic adults participating in social groups.
If interested, prospective participants will:
- Fill out this intake form to assess initial eligibility:
- Speak on the phone with research staff to confirm initial eligibility:
- Individual is within the required age range [18-30 years old] and has graduated from a high school or equivalent program
- Individual has a confirmed diagnosis of autism
- Individual can travel to the AJDAI at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA [3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104] for weekly group sessions
- Complete an online questionnaire about autism traits and experiences;
- [If eligible]: Come in person to meet with research staff to complete an autism diagnosis interview and an IQ test to confirm their eligibility (IQ scores must be ≥ 70 to be eligible to participate in this study).
If eligibility is confirmed participants will:
- Be randomized (by chance) to one of two social groups and attend weekly 90-minute sessions for 10 weeks in person at AJDAI at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA;
- Complete questionnaires and interviews across multiple timepoints throughout participation in this study;
- OPTIONAL: Participants may choose to elect somebody else close to them (such as a caregiver, family member, friend, or romantic partner) to complete additional measures about the participant during 3 timepoints.
Participants will be compensated at the end of the study period for their time completing study procedures.
If there are any questions or concerns, interested participants can reach out to SCTL@drexel.edu or via phone or text: 215-571-3219
Project REACH
Project Information
Recruitment Information
- Recruitment Target: 150 per site (300 total); 30 per site per year (over next 5 years)
- Eligibility Criteria:
- We’re looking for parents or caregivers who:
- Have a child with autism between ages 3–9
- Identify as Black
- Live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or North Carolina
- Compensation Information:
- Participants will be compensated $200 for completing the study activities.
- Participants will be compensated an additional $100 if they complete the optional focus group
Study Blurb
We are excited to share an opportunity to participate in Project REACH, a research study aimed at better understanding Black families raising children with autism.
Project REACH seeks to explore minority health disparities through the lens of the mental health and experiences of Black parents and caregivers of children with autism (ages 3-9). Additionally, we want to understand how these experiences may influence the child’s behavior and development. The long-term goal is to improve support and understanding for Black families raising children with autism.
Project REACH is looking for parents/caregivers who:
- Have a child with autism between ages 3–9
- Identify as Black
- Live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or North Carolina
If you join, you’ll take part in:
- A child assessment (in person at home or a clinic)
- A few online surveys and a virtual interview about your experiences
- An optional virtual focus group with other parents