‘That connection with community… it is just a positive thing’: Mentoring autistic adolescents participating in community coding programmes

IF 1.6 4区医学 Q2 REHABILITATION

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal Pub Date : 2025-03-24 DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.70012

Ben Milbourn, Lilian Cairns, Caitlin Cartwright, Siobhan Painter, Caitlin Wedgewood, Sonya Girdler

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Little is known regarding the experiences of mentoring autistic adolescents. The aim of the study was to explore the process of mentoring autistic youth participating in community coding programmes through the perspective of mentors and facilitators.

Method

A descriptive qualitative research design was used involving focus groups or one-on-one interviews with mentors (n = 5) and facilitators (n = 5) volunteering at two community coding programmes in Western Australia and Victoria. Data were thematically analysed through an iterative process.

Consumer and Community Involvement

An autistic individual was involved in piloting the discussion guide for the semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified three primary themes, including (1) the mentoring process; (2) Mentor outcomes including sub-themes of development of mentor attributes, professional development and personal wellbeing and satisfaction; and (3) support needs and opportunities.

Conclusion

Practical supports and training within community coding clubs may aid mentors and facilitators in supporting the needs of autistic youth in the community.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

In this project, we explored the views of mentors and facilitators of community coding clubs for autistic adolescents. The community clubs were run on Saturdays for 2–4 hours during school term time. A total of 10 participants (five mentors and five facilitators) agreed to meet with the research team to discuss their experiences. We found that mentors and facilitators needed support to develop their mentoring skills which helped them to grow, made them feel better and gave them a feeling of satisfaction. Our study showed the importance of understanding autism spectrum and supporting mentors and facilitators. We showed how mentoring programmes are an emerging approach that occupational therapists can engage with to better support autistic youth with their strengths and passions.

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来源期刊

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal 医学-康复医学

CiteScore

2.80

自引率

16.70%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal is a leading international peer reviewed publication presenting influential, high quality innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The aim of the journal is to be a leader in the dissemination of scholarship and evidence to substantiate, influence and shape policy and occupational therapy practice locally and globally. The journal publishes empirical studies, theoretical papers, and reviews. Preference will be given to manuscripts that have a sound theoretical basis, methodological rigour with sufficient scope and scale to make important new contributions to the occupational therapy body of knowledge. AOTJ does not publish protocols for any study design The journal will consider multidisciplinary or interprofessional studies that include occupational therapy, occupational therapists or occupational therapy students, so long as ‘key points’ highlight the specific implications for occupational therapy, occupational therapists and/or occupational therapy students and/or consumers.