Autistic young people's experiences of remote psychological interventions during COVID-19.

This study interviewed autistic teenagers and their therapists about online therapy during COVID-19. While everyone found some parts challenging (like learning online manners), all saw benefits too. Many teens felt more comfortable having therapy at home. Most participants thought online therapy should continue to be offered alongside face-to-face options, especially for young people who might benefit most from it.

This qualitative study explored experiences of remote psychological interventions among autistic young people during COVID-19. Six autistic participants aged 15-18 years and eight clinicians were interviewed about remote therapy delivery. Participants identified both challenges and benefits of remote sessions. Challenges included learning online social etiquette, while benefits included increased comfort receiving therapy at home and less intense social interactions.

Despite universal challenges, all participants identified benefits and most supported continuing remote therapy options. Individual characteristics like shyness were identified as potentially making remote delivery less suitable. Practical suggestions emerged, such as sitting with pets during sessions. Young people's and clinicians' views were largely similar with subtle differences.

Remote therapy appears viable for many autistic young people when implemented thoughtfully. Clinicians should assess individual suitability and provide support for online social skills. Both remote and in-person options should be available to maximize accessibility and comfort for diverse needs.

Very small sample size (6 autistic participants). Study design not clearly specified. Single study findings require replication. Limited age range (15-18 years) may not generalize to other age groups. Qualitative nature limits statistical generalizability.

Recently, therapy has been delivered at a distance (i.e. remotely) to help control the spread of coronavirus. Clinicians have voiced concerns that remote delivery is unsuitable for certain individuals, including those who are autistic, but they have also highlighted potential benefits for autistic individuals. Benefits include some individuals feeling more comfortable receiving therapy at home. This is the first study to interview autistic individuals about their experience of remote therapy.

Participants were six young people aged 15-18 years and eight clinicians. Participants described their experience of remote delivery, including challenges, benefits, and suggestions. Most of these supported previous research findings, but some were new or provided further insight into those already identified. A newly identified challenge was knowing online social etiquette.

All participants found aspects of the experience challenging, but all identified benefits and most voiced that remote sessions should be offered to young people. Participants further identified individual characteristics that may make someone less suited to remote delivery (e.g. shyness). They also identified ways of making the experience of remote delivery easier (e.g. sitting with a pet). Young people's and clinicians' views were similar overall, with only subtle differences.

For example, young people uniquely voiced that remote delivery was similar to in-person, that benefits were hard to identify, and provided distinct reasons for the social interaction feeling less intense remotely. Findings may be used to improve remote delivery, for guiding future research, and as a case for continuing to offer it to those who may most benefit.