Transforming Hospitalizations of Autistic Adolescents Via a Novel ABA Telehealth Platform
Caring Technologies, Inc.
Summary
This study is evaluating whether a telehealth-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) program can improve the care of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are hospitalized because of severe challenging behaviors, such as aggression, self-injury, property destruction, or elopement. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard hospital care alone or standard hospital care plus a Telehealth Applied Behavior Analysis for Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (TeleABA) program. The TeleABA program includes assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), individualized behavior support recommendations, coaching for hospital staff, caregiver training, discharge planning, and four weekly telehealth sessions with caregivers after the participant leaves the hospital. Researchers will compare the two groups to determine whether the TeleABA program improves behavioral outcomes, caregiver confidence and stress, hospital experiences, and the transition from the hospital to home. The findings may help identify more effective ways to support individuals with autism and their families during and after behavioral health hospitalizations.
Description
Adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who require psychiatric hospitalization because of severe challenging behaviors often have complex behavioral support needs that may not be fully addressed through standard inpatient care alone. Behavioral crises during hospitalization can contribute to prolonged length of stay, increased use of restrictive interventions, caregiver distress, and challenges during the transition from hospital to home. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether adding a Telehealth Applied Behavior Analysis (TeleABA) intervention to sta…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 12 years or older. * Established or documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the electronic medical record or confirmed by the attending provider using DSM-5 criteria. * Admitted to a participating Hackensack Meridian Health hospital due to behavioral concerns (e.g., aggression, self-injury, elopement, or property destruction) that contribute to or prolong hospitalization. * Behavioral support identified by the attending provider as a primary component of the current admission. * Caregiver or legally authorized representative (LAR) able to provide in…
Interventions
- BehavioralStandard Hospital Care
Standard inpatient behavioral health care provided by the hospital, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, nursing care, therapeutic programming, and discharge planning in accordance with routine clinical practice.
- BehavioralTelehealth Applied Behavior Analysis (TeleABA)
The TeleABA intervention is a telehealth-delivered applied behavior analysis (ABA) program designed to support adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder during hospitalization and the transition to home. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts caregiver interviews, behavioral assessment, functional assessment when indicated, and develops individualized behavior support recommendations. The intervention includes consultation and coaching for hospital staff, caregiver training, discharge planning, and four weekly telehealth caregiver coaching sessions following hospital discharge to support implementation of behavior support strategies and continuity of care.
Locations (2)
- Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical CenterNeptune City, New Jersey
- Children's Specialized Hospital-Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services (CSH-RUCARES)Somerset, New Jersey