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SkillTalk: Using Streaming Video for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Build Microskills to Develop and Sustain Relationships for Healthy and Independent Living

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: Administration for Community Living
Contract: 90BISB0022
Agency Tracking Number: 90BISB0022
Amount: $287,500.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NIDILRR
Solicitation Number: HHS-2021-ACL-NIDILRR-BISB-0026
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2021
Award Year: 2021
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
100 Enterprise Way, STE D305
Scotts Valley, CA 95066-3248
United States
DUNS: 079336099
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Regina Firpo-Triplett
 (831) 440-2162
 regina.firpo@dfusioninc.com
Business Contact
 Regina Firpo-Triplett
Phone: (831) 222-5094
Email: regina.firpo@dfusioninc.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

This Phase II project builds upon previous research to complete the development and evaluation of SkillTalk, a video-delivered microskills training program to improve relationship skills among transition-age adults between 18 and 28 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microskills such as showing empathy, active listening, and open-ended questioning can help build relationships. Project activities are conducted in partnership with experts in ASD relationships/sexuality and youth experts who have ASD to achieve the following objectives: (1) formation of ASD expert and young adult advisory panels; (2) finalization of relationship skillsets, content development for 19 relationship skill sets, and over 100 corresponding microskills training videos (30-120 seconds in length); (3) development of content/scripts for approximately ten “Meet in the Middle” videos for neurotypical friends/family; (4) video production; and (5) conducting a nationwide randomized controlled trial to establish effectiveness. Outcomes of this project include the completion and established effectiveness of the SkillTalk training resource, a program that is usable and well-liked by target audiences resulting in better relationship and mental health outcomes for young adults with ASD.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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