Group-Based Interventions

Group-based psychological interventions for autistic adults have tended to focus upon teaching social skills or helping with mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, or a combination of the two. There are a variety of factors associated with outcomes from group-based interventions, mainly centered around group dynamics, such as cohesion. Issues with negative attitudes, stigma, and discrimination may interfere with participation within group-based interventions, and specific adaptations are required to promote inclusion and ensure the needs of autistic people are met. Two types of groups are described within this chapter. The first is a social group developed with and run collaboratively with adults, where the theoretical foundation is based upon theories associated with behavioral activation, while the barriers faced by autistic people are minimized because of the collaborative and “self-help” nature of the group. The second is a cognitive-behavioral group for anxiety. The strengths and weaknesses of these approach are discussed as reported by the participants who took part in the groups.