The REALS (Relationships Employment Autonomy Life Satisfaction) Study
Funded by: Autism Speaks, Eunice Kennedy Shriver
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Principal Investigators: Carla A. Mazefsky, PhD, Shaun M. Eack, PhD
Status: Active, but enrollment is closed
What is the study about?
The goal of this research study is to develop a new survey tool to measure aspects of real adult life in autistic adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This measure will assess relationships, employment, and autonomy/independence, as well as life satisfaction. This scale will be called the REALS scale.
This study is important because most research and survey measures have focused on children. This limits the ability of researchers and policy makers to make key service decisions and progress for autistic adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This measure will be the first adult measure of these domains designed specifically for autistic adults and adults with other neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities. This measure was developed in partnership with autistic community members and our PAARCC group.
What did we learn from this study?
Enrollment has closed. Analyses are ongoing and results are pending.
How do I find out more?
Contact Project Coordinator at AFSstudy@upmc.edu