Study 4

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Research Study #4

Cognitive Support Technology for Postsecondary Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
A Randomized Control Trial at the Intervention Efficacy Stage of Research

Research by Kent State University

Purpose

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The purpose of this randomized control trial (RCT) study is to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to improve the academic and employment outcomes of postsecondary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We hypothesize that this Cognitive Support Technology (CST) and customized vocational case management intervention will contribute substantially to the state-of-the-art research in cognitive and vocational rehabilitation (VR). CSTs may be mainstream, such as tablet computers, or specialized for specific activities such as step-by-step instruction in the performance of a particular task.

Overview

Every aspect of this study will be guided by input from people with disabilities and other stakeholders. The intervention, will be substantially shaped by feedback and technical assistance from Participatory Action Research (PAR) panel of college students with ASD. Intervention efficacy means the stage of research during which a project evaluates and tests whether an intervention is feasible, practical, and has the potential to yield positive outcomes for people with disabilities. The intervention being tested in this study is based on an existing intervention model that was developed as part of a previously NIDILRR- funded grant, Project Career.