This study is a caregiver support program for family caregivers of autistic young adults (ages 18 to 26) as their family members navigate young adulthood. The program includes six 60-minute virtual sessions focused on making sense of caregiving roles during young adulthood, reflecting on everyday family experiences, supporting decision-making within families, deciding when and how to share experiences with others, and thinking about the future.
Has a family member aged 18-26 who has received an autism-related diagnosis from a healthcare professional
Must be a primary caregiver for this family member
Must be able to speak, understand, and read English well
Participants will be able to provide consent themselves.
Lack of proficiency in English
Not a primary caregiver for a family member with autism aged 18-26
Individuals requiring a guardian to provide consent will be excluded
Single group
Group Intervention
Other interventionSix 60-min virtual sessions Surveys before and after program intervention Optional post-intervention interview
Devaluation of Consumer Families (DCFS) Scale
9-items scored on a 4 point likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Total range of scores is 9-36 with higher scores indicating higher devaluation of the family.
Self-Compassion Scale Score
Self-Compassion Scale (26-item), scored from 26 to 130, with higher scores indicating greater self-compassion.
Caregiving Appraisal Scale Score: Agreement
Caregiving Appraisal Scale (6-item) scored from 6-30 where higher scores indicate higher appraisal.
Caregiving Appraisal Scale Score: Frequency
Caregiving Appraisal Scale (23-item) scored from 23-115 where higher scores indicate more frequency of appraisal.
Family Empowerment Scale Score
Family Empowerment Scale (12-item) scored from 12-60 with higher scores meaning more empowered.
State Hope Scale Score
State Hope Scale (6-item) scored from 6-48 where higher scores indicate more hope
Caregiving Confidence Scale (CSES-8) Score
CSES-8 scored from 1-10 with higher scores meaning more confidence
Affiliate Stigma Scale Score
Affiliate Stigma Scale (22-item) scored from 22-88 where higher scores indicate increased stigma
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
