Development and non-randomized pilot trial of Families FORWARD: a new program for families of autistic youth transitioning to adulthood.

Authors

Kristin A Long, Suma Suswaram, Motunrola B Adebogun, John S Wilson, Jenna Eilenberg, Alix Paredes Molina, Sharada Krishnan, Oksana Litardo, Wenyan Feng, Andrea Chu, Yeook Kim, Jocelyn Kuhn, Kate M Guthrie, Joshua Dela Cruz, Gael I Orsmond

Published in

Journal of pediatric psychology. Oct 10, 2026. Epub Oct 10, 2026.

Abstract

Autistic youth and their families describe transitioning to adulthood as overwhelming. Yet, there are few evidence-based, family focused transition programs broad enough to serve youths' wide range of autism-related and background characteristics. We report on the community-engaged development of Families FORWARD (Focusing On Relationships, Well-being, And Responsibility aheaD), a new family based, individualized transition planning program (Phase 1) and non-randomized pilot trial findings regarding acceptability, feasibility, and clinical promise (Phase 2).
Phase 1 involved qualitative interviews with autistic youth, parents/caregivers, and professionals (N = 31) regarding transition-related experiences, existing service gaps, and feedback on the Families FORWARD concept. In Phase 2, 14 families participated in a trial of Families FORWARD delivered remotely by community-based coaches. Families completed pre/post measures of program skills (family communication, knowledge), mechanistic targets (self-efficacy, stage of change), and outcomes (transition planning activities, perceived stress) and exit interviews. Feasibility and acceptability benchmarks were specified a priori. A community advisory board of racially and ethnically diverse autistic young adults, parents, and professionals guided the research.
Phase 1 identified the need for flexible, skills-based, collaborative transition programs and highlighted the relevance of proposed program skills (family communication, collaborative goal-setting, problem solving, systems navigation). In Phase 2, all feasibility, acceptability, and clinical promise benchmarks were met. Exit interviews highlighted how family communication and structured goal-setting improved collaborative, youth-centered planning.
Across racial and ethnic backgrounds and autism characteristics, Families FORWARD shows promise for improving transition outcomes. Centering community input during program development likely increased relevance and feasibility.

PMID:
42859903
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Oct 2026.

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