Current Projects
Valued Living Lite: An ACT-Based Intervention for Autistic Adults (IRB protocol #14424) is a single-session online intervention created to increase overall well-being among autistic adults experiencing mental health concerns. This program was co-created with autistic adults.
The primary goals of this current study are to assess:
1. Whether it is feasible to recruit autistic adults to complete this online program
2. Whether the program is acceptable to autistic adults
3. Whether the program shows preliminary efficacy at improving mental health outcomes and quality of life among autistic adults
We are actively recruiting autistic adults (self-identified or diagnosed) living in the United States to participate in this study through May 31, 2025.
Dr. Ty B. Aller is the Principal Investigator of this study.
Compassion Compass: An ACT-Based Intervention for Adults with a Recent Dementia Diagnosis (IRB protocol #14297) is an online, single session intervention for that aims to improve quality of life among adults with a dementia diagnosis.
The primary goals of this current study are to assess:
1. Whether it is feasible to recruit adults with a recent dementia diagnosis to complete this online program
2. Whether the program is acceptable to adults with dementia
3. Whether the program shows preliminary efficacy at improving mental health outcomes and quality of life among adults with a recent dementia diagnosis
We will be recruiting participants with a recent dementia diagnosis beginning mid-summer 2024 through the fall.
Dr. Heather H. Kelley is the Principal Investigator of this study. Dr. Mike Levin is a Co-
Investigator. Funding was received from USU’s Alzheimer's and Dementia Research Center
(ADRC).
The Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy for Employment Support Professionals (MHAA for ESPs; IRB protocol #14527) is a four-session online mental health literacy training contextualized to the demands and responsibilities of ESPs.
The program teaches a variety of information and skills, including helping ESPs better:
1. Distinguish intellectual and developmental disabilities from mental health concerns.
2. Recognize signs of distress and better label mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicidality) that may be contributing to distress.
3. Locate mental health services and providers in their area.
4. Feel more confident discussing mental health with others and setting boundaries.
5. Refer individuals experiencing mental health concerns to appropriate resources.
The current study seeks to understand whether ESPs find this program acceptable and useful and whether it improves their mental health literary.
Dr. Ty B. Aller is the Principal Investigator of this study.
Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy for Direct Support Professionals (MHAA for DSPs; IRB protocol #14531) is a four-session online mental health literacy training contextualized to the demands and responsibilities of DSPs. This program is intended for DSPs who provide support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in areas such as community integration, activities of daily living, and increasing independence. DSPs who would benefit from this program spend significant amounts of time with the individuals they support in home and community-based settings.
The program teaches a variety of information and skills, and aims to help DSPs better:
1. Recognize signs of distress in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and better label mental health concerns that may be contributing to distress.
2. Locate local mental health services and providers.
3. Feel more confident discussing mental health with others and documenting and reporting potential mental health concerns to the appropriate leadership personnel.
4. Refer individuals experiencing mental health concerns to appropriate resources.
The current study seeks to understand whether DSPs find this program acceptable and useful and whether it improves their mental health literary.
Ms. Rachel Byers (MPH) is the Principal Investigator of this study.
Past Projects