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Tailored and Transdiagnostic Internetbased Intervention for Autistic Adults
Sponsor: Region Örebro County
Summary
The number of individuals receiving an autism diagnosis is increasing, particularly among individuals without co-occurring intellectual disability. This group does not always present with stereotypically autistic characteristics. Instead, the cognitive mechanisms underlying autistic functioning often manifest in less apparent difficulties, such as difficulties with self-acceptance, low self-esteem, stress-related problems, low energy, or anxiety. At the same time, this group is highly heterogeneous in terms of abilities and difficulties, and consequently, their needs also vary. Over the past decades, it has become increasingly evident that autistic adults have substantial needs for support for psychological distress, while healthcare services have difficulties meeting these needs. This is likely due to a combination of limited resources and a lack of adapted and accessible interventions. Providing psychological treatment via the internet may be one way of increasing access to healthcare for this population. Internet-based interventions have been shown to be effective in treating mental health problems in other patient populations, and the internet-based format may be well suited to the needs and preferences commonly reported by autistic individuals. Within this project, we are developing an internet-based treatment for autistic adults aimed at increasing individuals' understanding of themselves and their difficulties, as well as improving self-esteem and self-acceptance. In the longer term, we hope that the treatment may also contribute to improved quality of life and sense of coherence, as well as reduced levels of anxiety and depression. The treatment is intended for autistic adults experiencing some form of psychological distress. It consists of text-based modules, and participants complete exercises with the support of an individual therapist who guides them through the treatment. If the treatment proves to be effective, our hope is that it can be implemented within Swedish habilitation services as an alternative to face-to-face psychological treatment.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
25
Start Date
2027-04-01
Completion Date
2028-08-30
Last Updated
2026-09-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Tailored And Transdiagnostic Internetbased intervention for Autistic adults
The intervention is text-based and consists of a series of modules addressing different themes. All modules are provided to participants at one week intervals, and contain information about the relevant theme and questions for reflection. Participants are also asked to complete homework assignments, which they submit in writing to a therapist. The participant then receives written feedback from their personal therapist on the submitted assignments. The intervention consists of two parts. The first part is mandatory and aims to increase participants' self-knowledge. It therefore consists of several modules focusing on increasing participants' knowledge and understanding of themselves, their individual circumstances, behavioral patterns, and difficulties. The second part of the intervention consists of a number of optional modules. These modules aim both to further deepen participants' self-knowledge and to provide them with strategies to handle difficulties.
Locations (1)
Vuxenhabiliteringen, Region Örebro Län
Örebro, Sweden