Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Given recent census data, as well as the most recent autism prevalence rates as estimated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 27,000 individuals with autism reside in a rural community in Pennsylvania. Individuals living in rural communities often experience multiple barriers to community participation. Recent data assessing community participation in young adults with autism demonstrated significantly lower rates (number of days engaging in community activities) and variability (number of community activities) of community participation in comparison to same-age peers without autism. The impact of Participation of Adults with Autism in Rural Communities (PAARC), an intervention for families of young adults with autism living in rural areas to increase community participation. PAARC will be assessed through the following hypotheses: compared to an Active Control (AC) group, participants in PAARC 1) will report higher number of days participating in community activities and 2) will report increased variation of community activities. One hundred and twelve family units (i.e., young adults with autism and their primary caregivers) will be recruited to participate. Family units will be randomly assigned to PAARC or AC for a 12-month intervention. Quantitative analyses will be used to assess two primary outcomes (e.g., days of community participation, number of community participation activities) from self- and caregiver-report questionnaire. Qualitative analyses will be used to assess for satisfaction with the intervention and identify barriers to engagement.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
