Enhancing the social networks of adults with ASD: a low level community intervention

Post-diagnostic support for adults diagnosed with autism in adulthood in the UK: A systematic review with narrative synthesis

LAY ABSTRACT

More adults than ever before are seeking an autism diagnosis in adulthood. While receiving a diagnosis may be beneficial, many autistic people struggle to navigate their new diagnosis, and require support. This study conducted a systematic review of previous research on the support available after diagnosis (post-diagnostic support) for autistic adults without intellectual disability who were diagnosed in adulthood in the UK. A systematic review is a pre-planned method of searching for all relevant studies, before combining these to answer a larger question. The study aimed to investigate the availability of such support and its effectiveness, and to explore autistic adults' experiences of accessing support. We also used publicly available information to create a map of the post-diagnostic support services currently available across the UK. A systematic search of seven databases was conducted, to identify UK-based studies published after 2012. Nineteen studies were eligible to be included in the study. Although some form of post-diagnostic support is available across most areas in the UK, this mostly consists of providing information and 'signposting' the person to other services. These options may not meet the needs of autistic people, who want services such as psychoeducation (therapy whereby an individual receives education about their diagnosis to improve understanding and self-management), and peer support. Findings highlight the need for adequate support to alleviate the post-diagnostic challenges autistic adults face. The study could not evaluate the effectiveness of support options in the UK due to a lack of information about this in published research. Research shows that autistic adults would like low-level support services, psychoeducation, and peer support, and may also prefer autistic-led support. Further research is required to develop and evaluate post-diagnostic support programmes which include these elements.

Nurturing the Positive Mental Health of Autistic Children, Adolescents and Adults alongside That of Their Family Care-Givers: A Review of Reviews

The rising prevalence of autism internationally has been accompanied by an increased appreciation of the poorer mental health experienced by people with this condition and also of their family care-givers. In particular, higher incidences of anxiety and depression are reported in high-income nations and these conditions are likely to be under-recognised and under-reported in lower-resourced regions or countries. Mainstream mental health services seem to be ill-equipped to respond adequately to the needs of autistic persons and their care-givers. This literature review of 29 recently published reviews covering nearly 1000 journal articles summarises the insights and strategies that have been shown to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of autistic persons. In particular, a focus on family-centred, community-based supports is recommended that aim to enhance social communication, extend social connections and promote an individual's self-esteem, self-determination and social motivation. These low-cost interventions are especially pertinent in low-resourced settings, but they can be used internationally to prevent mental illness and assist in the treatment of anxiety and depression in autistic persons and their family carers. The priority is to focus on primary-care responses with cross-sectoral working rather than investing in high-cost psychiatric provision.

Using formative research to develop HEARTS: A curriculum-based healthy relationships promoting intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum

LAY ABSTRACT

What is already known about the topic? All people can benefit from education about how to have healthy friendships and dating relationships. But specific interventions on relationship skills-like respecting boundaries, identifying warning signs of abuse, or talking about sexual preferences-are too rare, particularly for autistic individuals. The goal of this study was to collect formative data from autistic emerging adults to help create a new, six-session workshop for autistic young adults to support healthy peer relationships. Twenty-five autistic youth aged 16-22 years old were interviewed.What this paper adds? The participants described a need for more and better information about how to support lasting friendships, deal with their anxiety about relationships, and know when friendships or dating relationships were reciprocal and rewarding versus unhealthy.Implications for practice, research, or policy. The results reveal a need for a new and effective intervention that supports healthy relationship skills for autistic people.