Pilot Randomized Trial of the RUBI Program for Families of Autistic Adults
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if a redesigned version of the RUBI parenting intervention can reduce challenging behaviors and improve adaptive skills in autistic adults with co-occurring challenging behaviors. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the redesigned RUBI intervention feasible and acceptable for autistic adults and their families? * Does the redesigned RUBI intervention reduce challenging behaviors and enhance the quality of life for autistic adults? * Researchers will compare the redesigned RUBI intervention to an active control group, Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism (ISLEA), to see if RUBI is more effective in improving outcomes for autistic adults and their families. Participants will: * Attend sessions where they receive either the RUBI intervention or the ISLEA program. * Engage in activities designed to promote communication, co-regulation, and autonomy in the context of supporting autistic adults. * Complete assessments at the start, throughout, and at the end of the 20-week trial to evaluate outcomes such as challenging behaviors, adaptive skills, and quality of life.
• Autistic adults will:
‣ be age ≥ 18 years;
⁃ live at home with their parent and be able to attend each session;
⁃ have a community diagnosis of autism (confirmed through record documentation) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) total score \> 15;
⁃ have a parent rated 24-item EDI Reactivity Score \> 50 percentile, which reflects mild to moderate challenging behaviors (e.g., outbursts; verbal aggression);
⁃ have receptive language \> 18 months as measured on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) Receptive Language subtest or similar measure of receptive language;
⁃ have a stable educational/vocational plan and be medication free or on stable medication (no changes in prior 6 weeks or planned changes for 16 weeks). Individuals on stable medication will be included as this enhances sample representativeness.
• Parents/Legally Authorized Representatives will be able to:
‣ attend each session.