A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Trial of the RUBI in Educational Settings Intervention With Paraeducators Supporting Autistic Students in Public Elementary Schools.

PURPOSE: This pilot randomized study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of RUBI in Educational Settings (RUBIES), a school-based adaptation of the evidence-based Research Unit in Behavioral Intervention (RUBI) parent training program, when implemented by elementary school paraeducators supporting autistic students with externalizing behaviors that impact safety and well-being. METHODS: A 24-week pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 67 paraeducators and 65 autistic students across 39 public schools in the United States. Paraeducators were randomly assigned to RUBIES or an active comparator, Psychoeducation on Autistic Students in Schools (PASS). RESULTS: Feasibility outcomes, including adherence to intervention strategy implementation, were high for paraeducators receiving RUBIES. Acceptability measures demonstrated strong engagement and satisfaction among paraeducators, with RUBIES paraeducators reporting significantly greater confidence in managing student behaviors compared to those who received PASS. While both groups showed reductions in externalizing behaviors, no significant differences were found between RUBIES and PASS on standardized outcome measures of student externalizing behaviors. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that RUBIES is a feasible and acceptable intervention for paraeducators, though further research is needed to assess its effectiveness in promoting behavioral change in autistic students at school.