Abstract
Published self-determination programs do not adequately address the needs of autistic adults. We designed a multi-component self-determination program, grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm, to help autistic adults achieve goals to improve their quality of life. The first phase involved 5 days of psychoeducation, practice, and social events; the second phase included 3 months of telecoaching; and the third phase included follow-up. Thirty-four university students coached 31 autistic adults on three evolving goals. On average, participants completed one goal per week. Most participants were satisfied with the program. We found that the program was appropriate, acceptable, and feasible. This program is a promising approach to helping autistic adults gain self-determination skills and improve their quality of life.
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Notes
Most people with an autism diagnosis prefer identity first language, such as “autistic” or “autist” (Kenny et al., 2016).
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Acknowledgments
We thank Andrea Arguello, Megan Harden, and Megan Alder for their contributions to the operational success of the pilot program during immersion week and management of the coaching sessions. We also thank Julie Lounds Taylor, Erik Carter, Blythe Corbett, Katherine Gotham, Vanessa Beasley, David Griffin, and Zachary J. Williams for their advisory roles. We thank our community sites for the immersion week, including the Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, Frist Art Museum, Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, and Tennessee Performing Arts Center. We also thank Crystal R. Herron for editorial support.
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This work was supported by a Vanderbilt University Trans-Institutional Program Grant, and National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number K12HL137943, USA.
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BAM supervised the project. TAMM and BAM conceived the pilot program. TAMM developed the components for the program pilot and coach training; provided in-person and distance training for staff, coaches, and pilot participants; and oversaw preparation of the manuscript. IC assessed and troubleshooted parent-participant dynamics. SL conducted recruitment activities, prepared materials for the program, and assisted with organizing program events. TAMM provided psychological assessments, and BAM, LM, and LJB provided medical assessments. BAM, TAMM, IC, SL, and CMC were involved with all aspects of manuscript preparation.
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McDonald, T.A.M., Lalani, S., Chen, I. et al. Appropriateness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of a Neurodiversity-Based Self-determination Program for Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 2933–2953 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05598-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05598-9