Appropriateness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of a Neurodiversity-Based Self-determination Program for Autistic Adults.

Researchers developed a new program to help autistic adults learn self-determination skills (making their own decisions and achieving personal goals). The program included education, practice, and ongoing support from university student coaches over several months. Participants worked on personal goals and completed about one goal per week. Most participants were happy with the program, and researchers found it worked well and was practical to deliver.

This 2023 study evaluated a novel self-determination program specifically designed for autistic adults using a neurodiversity-affirming approach. The program consisted of three phases: 5 days of psychoeducation and practice, 3 months of telecoaching with university student coaches, and follow-up. Thirty-four university students coached 31 autistic adults on evolving personal goals. Participants completed an average of one goal per week, with most expressing satisfaction with the program.

The researchers concluded the program was appropriate, acceptable, and feasible, representing a promising approach for helping autistic adults develop self-determination skills and improve quality of life through neurodiversity-based interventions.

This neurodiversity-based self-determination program shows promise for supporting autistic adults in achieving personal goals and improving quality of life. The feasibility findings suggest potential for broader implementation, though more rigorous evaluation is needed to establish effectiveness compared to standard approaches.

Study design and methodology are not clearly specified in the abstract. No comparison group or control condition is mentioned. Outcome measurement details and long-term follow-up results are not provided. Sample characteristics and recruitment methods are unclear.

Published self-determination programs do not adequately address the needs of autistic adults. We designed a multi-component self-determination program, grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm, to help autistic adults achieve goals to improve their quality of life. The first phase involved 5 days of psychoeducation, practice, and social events; the second phase included 3 months of telecoaching; and the third phase included follow-up. Thirty-four university students coached 31 autistic adults on three evolving goals.

On average, participants completed one goal per week. Most participants were satisfied with the program. We found that the program was appropriate, acceptable, and feasible. This program is a promising approach to helping autistic adults gain self-determination skills and improve their quality of life.