‘Therapy Through the Lens of Autism’: Qualitative exploration of autistic adults' therapy experiences

IF 1.2 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research Pub Date : 2024-11-29 DOI:10.1002/capr.12861

Jessica Pappagianopoulos, Sophie Brunt, Jessica V. Smith, Michelle Menezes, Mya Howard, Eleonora Sadikova, Christina Burroughs, Micah O. Mazurek

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Abstract

Background

Autistic adults are at increased risk for mental health (MH) conditions. As such, there is a need for effective MH care services that meet the unique needs of autistic clients. However, a deeper understanding of the therapy experiences and preferences of autistic adults is necessary to inform future enhancements to clinical practice for this population.

Aim

This study aimed to qualitatively examine the perspectives of autistic adults regarding past MH therapy experiences through semi-structured interviews.Method: Autistic adults (N = 19, ages 21–51 years) completed a demographics survey and participated in individual interviews to share experiences and recommendations.

Findings

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three over-arching themes and eight sub-themes. Overall, findings highlight therapeutic approaches that are important to autistic adults. Specifically, participants emphasised the value of the following strategies: (1) cultivating a safe space informed by an understanding of autism; (2) demonstrating a flexible and collaborative approach to therapy that is responsive to clients' needs; and (3) considering clients' preferences regarding talking in session when supporting personal growth and skill development.

Limitations

The study was limited by a relatively non-diverse sample in terms of racial and ethnic identity and potential recall bias due to the retrospective nature of the investigation.

Abstract Image

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“自闭症视角下的治疗”：自闭症成人治疗经验的定性探索

背景自闭症成年人患精神健康（MH）疾病的风险增加。因此，有必要提供有效的医院护理服务，以满足自闭症患者的独特需求。然而，更深入地了解自闭症成人的治疗经验和偏好是必要的，以便为这一人群的临床实践提供进一步的信息。目的本研究旨在透过半结构式访谈，定性探讨自闭症成人对过往MH治疗经验的看法。方法：自闭症成人（N = 19，年龄21-51岁）完成人口统计调查，并参与个人访谈，分享经验和建议。反身性主题分析揭示了三个总主题和八个副主题。总的来说，研究结果强调了治疗方法对自闭症成年人很重要。具体而言，与会者强调了以下策略的价值：(1)在了解自闭症的基础上营造一个安全的空间；(2)展示灵活和协作的治疗方法，以响应客户的需求；(3)在支持个人成长和技能发展时，考虑客户对会话的偏好。由于调查的回顾性性质，本研究在种族和民族身份方面的样本相对非多样化，以及潜在的回忆偏差，因此受到限制。

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来源期刊

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： Counselling and Psychotherapy Research is an innovative international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to linking research with practice. Pluralist in orientation, the journal recognises the value of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods strategies of inquiry and aims to promote high-quality, ethical research that informs and develops counselling and psychotherapy practice. CPR is a journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, promoting reflexive research strongly linked to practice. The journal has its own website: www.cprjournal.com. The aim of this site is to further develop links between counselling and psychotherapy research and practice by offering accessible information about both the specific contents of each issue of CPR, as well as wider developments in counselling and psychotherapy research. The aims are to ensure that research remains relevant to practice, and for practice to continue to inform research development.