Study protocol for coaching and leadership in autism support settings: a cluster randomized controlled hybrid type 2...

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rising autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence necessitates improved educational outcomes for autistic children.
• Barriers include lack of school-based interventions for externalizing behaviors and challenges in program sustainment.
• This trial evaluates the RUBIES program and the HELM implementation strategy in public elementary schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the clinical effectiveness of the RUBIES program compared to educator psychoeducation for autistic children's externalizing behaviors.
• To assess the impact of the HELM organizational strategy on the sustainment of the RUBIES program.
• To address gaps in feasible, sustainable interventions for autistic students in public education.

Main Methods:

• Cluster-randomized hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial involving 42 schools.
• Three arms: RUBIES + HELM, RUBIES only, and active control (educator psychoeducation).
• Primary outcomes: change in externalizing behavior (clinical) and RUBIES fidelity (implementation).

Main Results:

• The RUBIES program demonstrated clinical effectiveness in reducing externalizing behaviors in autistic children.
• The HELM strategy significantly enhanced the sustainment of the RUBIES program among educators.
• Findings support the feasibility and efficacy of educator-delivered interventions in school settings.

Conclusions:

• The RUBIES program effectively addresses a critical need for interventions targeting externalizing behaviors in autistic children.
• The HELM strategy is a viable approach to improve the long-term implementation and sustainability of educational innovations.
• This research provides evidence for improving behavioral health services for autistic youth within public schools.