Incorporating self-advocacy and empowerment into small group therapy for adults on the autism spectrum: A pilot study

Purpose

Few programs exist which address the needs of autistic adults. Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions (TUNE In), a 17-week cognitive-behavioral treatment program, was developed to support autistic adults by addressing social anxiety and motivation, social skills and cognition, and generalization of skills. The most recent iteration of TUNE In included a 4-session self-advocacy component which provided an opportunity to apply the skills learned from earlier parts of TUNE In.

Methods

As part of a novel program, Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions (TUNE In), participants advocated for themselves and described their experiences to an audience of health care practitioners, researchers, and therapists who work with people on the autism spectrum. Of 18 participants who completed the TUNE In program, 15 participated in a qualitative interview, using a phenomenological approach, about their understanding of and receptivity to TUNE In, as well as its usefulness and utility in their daily lives.

Results

The majority of participants found benefit from the self-advocacy project component, with most participants indicating they felt empowered by the experience. Participants reported enjoyment and empowerment in presenting to the audiences, as the participants could express their interests, engage others in conversation, hear other autistic perspectives, and engage in dialogues about how psychological and medical treatments should change. Participants felt they were able to apply skills learned from earlier sessions of TUNE In throughout the advocacy presentations.

Conclusion

This study highlights that advocacy can be incorporated into treatment without sacrificing the goals of the treatment itself. Based on participant feedback, suggestions for program refinement, implications for social skills programs, and application of advocacy and empowerment to adult group therapies are discussed.