The FLIGHT - Autism Study

What Is the FLIGHT – Autism Study?

The FLIGHT (Facilitated Longitudinal Investigation of Genuine Health Transformation) – Autism Study is a research study designed to test the impact of an education and coaching program on the symptoms of autism. The FLIGHT – Autism Study uses an educational curriculum and coaching model that is rooted in “Total Load” theory. Total Load theory suggests that the cumulative impact, or buildup, of negative health influencers (illness, toxins, diet, stress, trauma, etc.) decreases a child’s ability to stay healthy.

The approach used in the FLIGHT – Autism Study involves teaching a family how to reduce their child’s Total Load by identifying and removing inputs and exposures that might be harmful to health while at the same time supporting health in a personalized way.

Enroll in the FLIGHT – Autism Study

Has your child recently been diagnosed with autism? Documenting Hope is currently enrolling a small number of participants in a groundbreaking research initiative that provides families with tools, education, and coaching to support their child’s health.

We’re currently enrolling a small number of children in the FLIGHT – Autism Study for this limited opportunity.

Your child may be eligible to participate in the FLIGHT – Autism Study if:

  • They are between ages 3 and 7
  • Have an ADOS-confirmed Level II autism diagnosis in the past 12 months
  • Live in the U.S.

What do families do while enrolled in the FLIGHT – Autism Study?

Families enrolled in the FLIGHT – Autism Study will spend approximately 2-4 hours each week on study activities. Participants will:

  • Work with a health coach in individual sessions (approximately monthly) and group sessions (approximately weekly)
  • Learn through educational modules (approximately weekly) on topics relating to child health
  • Track progress of the child s with short monthly surveys and periodic questionnaires
  • Complete lab testing at home (hair, urine, stool saliva) at intervals

Are there any costs associated with participating in the FLIGHT – Autism Study?

  • Families who enroll in the FLIGHT – Autism Study are encouraged, but not required, to consult with an integrative health provider during the study period. These visits are not subsidized by the FLIGHT – Autism Study and are the responsibility of the participants.
  • Families who enroll in the FLIGHT – Autism Study may learn about, but are not required to try, adjunct therapies that could be helpful to their child’s health. Adjunct therapies are not subsidized by the FLIGHT Study.

Do families receive anything for participating in the FLIGHT – Autism Study?

Yes. Families who participate in the FLIGHT – Autism Study are eligible to receive many potential benefits at no cost including:

  • Health coaching in a group and individual setting.
  • Access to a health and wellness-oriented educational program relevant to their child’s condition.
  • Access to a standard set of specialty labs/diagnostics administered by the research study (hair, urine, stool, saliva).
  • Access to additional specialty lab tests/diagnostic tools when recommended by their integrative health provider (hair, urine, stool, saliva, blood).
  • Environmentally friendly products donated by our partners, including an air filter, an organic mattress, non-toxic personal care products, and more.

How Can I Participate in the FLIGHT – Autism Study?

  • Submit ADOS-confirmed proof of diagnosis to begin the screening process
  • Complete a new Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) questionnaire if invited (must be done via our secure link). Previous ATEC results will not be accepted.
  • Complete a short online FLIGHT – Autism Screener if invited.
  • Complete our in-depth CHIRP questionnaire on our secure platform (3–5 hours to complete) if invited.
  • Attend a virtual meeting with the study team to review the consent form if invited

To begin the screening process:

Please upload your child’s ADOS-confirmed autism diagnosis indicating Level II severity here.

The FLIGHT – Autism Study Team will contact you by email once your child’s ADOS-2 has been reviewed and eligibility to continue our screening process has been determined. Please be patient as we process submissions. Be sure to check your spam folder.

Why the FLIGHT – Autism Study Matters

The FLIGHT – Autism Study tests the hypothesis that comprehensive personalized lifestyle interventions will result in symptom reduction and improved health. The study tracks individual participants through 12 months of learning and support about personal lifestyle interventions that may be helpful to the child’s condition.

Additional Questions?

For additional questions, please contact FLIGHT@documentinghope.com

We are currently enrolling a small group of families. Enrollment is limited to 12 children with autism.

Start your journey with FLIGHT – Autism. Begin the application and submit your child’s ADOS-confirmed diagnosis.