Randomized Controlled Trial of IPS for Enhancing Employment Outcomes in Adults with Autism in Kentucky - Project's Goals: The goal of this project is to adapt and test the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, an evidence-based supported employment intervention, to improve employment outcomes for adults with autism. Objectives: (1) Identify adaptations to the IPS model to better serve individuals with autism; (2) Evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted IPS model in the autism population. (3) Disseminate findings broadly. Overall Approach: The target population are adults with autism. This mixed methods study has two phases, one community engagement phase to develop IPS adaptations and a randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants (N=172) will be randomly assigned to receive either IPS or usual vocational rehabilitation services and followed up for two years. This study partners with the University of Kentucky Human Development. Additional partners are four sites offering IPS to adults with autism in Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, the Office of Autism, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Finally, the Autism Society of America and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation are also partners in the study. Anticipated Outcomes: (1) Identification of IPS adaptations; (2) Increased competitive integrated employment rates for individuals with autism receiving IPS services in the trial and improvements in non-vocational outcomes. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, digital platforms, training events, community engagement activities, and reports, leveraging partnerships with organizations such as the IPS Employment Center and the Autism Society of America Products: Peer-reviewed publications, trainings, and reports. Duration: The project will be conducted over a period of five years.
