Assistant Professor Florida International University Miami, Florida, United States
Abstract Text: Approximately 87% of autistic adults experience a mental health condition (MHC; Hollocks et al., 2019; Jadav et al., 2022). However, many therapists are hesitant to accept autistic clients and are not confident in their ability to help improve MHCs in autistic clients (Adams & Young et al., 2021; Lipinski et al., 2022). As a result, many autistic individuals have unmet mental health needs. With the prevalence of autism rising, building therapist competence in working with autistic clients is necessary to prevent a growing service gap (Maenner et al., 2023). The aims of the present pilot study were to characterize therapists’ reservations about accepting autistic clients and conceptualize the types of supports that would increase their willingness and confidence in treating MHCs in autistic clients. The sample included thirty-six therapists ages 23-54 years (M=30.61, SD=6.12) working in private practice, community clinics, academic medical centers, and hospitals. Participants completed a mixed methods survey consisting of open-ended, Likert-scale, and multiple-choice questions which assessed training, current practices, and attitudes towards working with autistic clients. Survey questions also assessed the types of materials, trainings, and supports that would increase participants’ willingness and confidence in treating MHCs in autistic clients. Thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses using an inductive, multi-step approach based on recommendations by Braun & Clarke (2006).Previous training in conducting therapy with autistic clients did not significantly predict likelihood of currently accepting an autistic client (β=0.32, SE=0.68, χ²(1) = 1.96, p=0.17, 95%CI [-2.14, 0.38]). Thematic analysis revealed that the most common contributors to therapists’ reservations about accepting autistic clients are concerns about how to adapt traditional treatment methods to autistic clients, followed by lack of training. Qualitative findings also identified the most highly requested supports for increasing willingness and confidence in treating MHCs in autistic clients, including resources designed specifically for treating autistic clients (e.g., neurodiversity-informed trainings, handouts, interventions, and strategies), and general psychoeducation about autism. Further, most participants indicated that they would be willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to these supports (nine or more hours and/or recurrent trainings). Currently, most training programs and manuals adapted for autism are not preparing or supporting therapists’ confidence in treating autistic clients. Findings from the present study demonstrate that there is both a need and a demand from therapists for resources that will increase their confidence in treating autistic clients. Findings may inform development of a transdiagnostic toolkit for therapists to support their use of evidence-based interventions when treating MHCs in autistic clients.
.png)
