Clinical and Research Training through Transitioning Together (TT) and Working Together (WT) programs for Adolescents with ASD

The Transitioning Together (TT) program is a support and education program for families of adolescents (ages 14-21) with ASD. The goals of the program are to reduce family stress, improve social and problem-solving skills, and provide resources for families regarding transition to adulthood. Topics within this program include: ASD in adulthood, employment planning, educational planning, problem solving, family topics, risks to adulthood, community involvement, legal issues, and health and well-being.

The Working Together (WT) program is an extension of the TT program, and targets families of young adults (ages 18-30) with autism. The goals of WT are to promote social and self-advocacy skills, increase engagement in educational and employment activities, and provide resources to families. Topics include: goal setting, problem solving, coping strategies, planning for independence, employment, community and relationships, personal safety, and health and well-being.

Both programs were developed by Dr. Leann DaWalt and her team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Rebekah Hudock and her team at the University of Minnesota collaborate with Dr. DaWalt's team to examine the effectiveness of these interventions within a clinical setting. Dr. Dawalt and Dr. Hudock are LEND faculty at their institutions and offer several opportunities for LEND trainees to get involved with these programs. We are thrilled to be partnering in order to offer these programs in the Midwest! Dr. Dawalt's team has also trained several other groups on these interventions nationwide.

Due to varied backgrounds and disciplines, some trainees have difficulty effectively learning and implementing clinical skills. However, we have successfully had trainees participate meaningfully in facilitating the programs, regardless of previous clinical experience. Scheduling can be challenging for many LEND trainees. These programs run for 9-13 weeks in the evenings from 5:30-7 pm, with supervision before and after. While TT and WT are relatively brief clinical interventions, many trainees who would like to participate in the implementation of the interventions have difficulty committing to attending the majority of sessions due to scheduling conflicts. Research activities often provide more flexibility in scheduling, and many trainees can participate in various components. We have found that trainees with previous research training and experience tend to do best in research activities.

Contacts
Leann DaWalt, PhD
[email protected]
Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin

Rebekah Hudock, PhD
[email protected]
MNLEND, ICI, University of Minnesota

Contact Information: