Effectiveness and Implementation of a Mental Health Intervention for ASD

This study is a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of AIM HI ("An Individualized
Mental Health Intervention for ASD"), an intervention designed specifically for
implementation in community mental health clinics, to reduce problem behavior among
school-age children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although the individual components
of AIM HI are well-established evidence-based practice strategies and pilot study data
indicate that child behavior problems decrease when their community mental health therapists
deliver AIM HI, the effectiveness of the protocol has not been established. Therefore, the
primary aims are to test the impact of training community therapists in AIM HI on child and
family outcomes and determine how child/ family characteristics and level of therapist
fidelity moderate treatment effects. The secondary aim is to collect initial data on
implementation outcomes and conduct exploratory analyses to identify barriers and
facilitators of AIM HI implementation (e.g., intervention, organization, provider
characteristics). This study has the potential to make a significant impact by building local
capacity to serve school-age children with ASD in routine service settings, and advancing the
science on the effectiveness of packaging evidence-based practices (EBPs) for specific
services settings. It will also produce generalizable knowledge about implementation that can
be applied for this population/ setting.

Inclusion Criteria for Therapists

1. Employed as staff or a trainee at participating clinic (publicly-funded mental health
program)

2. Employed for at least the next 7 months (i.e., practicum or internship not ending in
next 7 months).

3. Has an eligible client on current caseload (see below).

Inclusion Criteria for Child/ Parent Participants

1. Child age 5-13 years.

2. Has a current ASD diagnosis on record.

3. Meets criteria for ASD on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or
exhibits other clinical indicators of ASD

4. English or Spanish speaking.

Exclusion Criteria for Child/ Parent Participants

1. Child does not present with challenging behaviors.

2. Child does not meet criteria for ASD on the ADOS or exhibit other clinical indicators
of ASD